Closer Collaboration between Hospital Doctors and Fire Department Paramedics Improves Local Heart Attack Survival Rates

A unique collaboration between Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and Chino Fire Valley District is improving heart attack survival rates that are above the state and national averages

When fire department paramedics observe heart attack patients they helped on the streets and can follow the patient into the hospital to observe treatment and recovery, it improves heart attack survival rates. A unique collaboration between Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center’s Stead Heart & Vascular Center (PVHMC) and Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) has improved local cardiac arrest survival rates during 2018-2021 from 16.7% to 62.5% while state and national averages have remained relatively flat, under 30%, according to the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) database.

As a key partner in improving survival and long-term health outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest, CVFD transports many of the sudden cardiac arrest patients it receives to PVHMC. Upon admission to the hospital, patients are immediately assessed for treatment necessary to improve survival and neurological outcomes. Cardiac arrest survivors have access to a cutting-edge 24/7 cardiac catheterization lab, temperature management system, cardiac rehabilitation, wearable defibrillators, and specialized resources to monitor their condition and improve the quality of long-term health outcomes.

“This collaboration with CVFD is a testament to how strategic partnerships with the EMS community can save lives and improve long term health outcomes for the communities we serve,” said Debbie Keasler, MS, BSN, BS, RN, NE-BC, PHN, Director of Cardiovascular Services at PVHMC. “It’s rewarding to work with partners like the Chino Valley Fire District who share a passion for improving patient outcomes.”

To promote learning and a continuum of care, CVFD personnel are allowed to observe cardiac catheterization lab procedures and they are encouraged to visit their patients in the hospital as they recover. PVHMC also implemented a follow-up program that provides CVFD personnel with specific information regarding heart attack patients who survive with good neurological outcomes.

“CVFD has seen a consistent improvement among the patient’s we have served since the initiative began,” said Dave Williams, Fire Chief at Chino Valley Fire District. “This type of collaboration produces a model of live-saving care that can be replicated across the nation.”