Wake County EMS has been widely regarded as a leader in cardiac care for decades. In 2025, cardiac arrest patients treated by Wake County EMS had a 15% survival rate – well above the national average of 10.5% – representing 118 lives saved. Now, Wake County EMS is being recognized nationally, receiving the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold achievement award for its commitment to clinically excellent care.
Providing the best care for heart attack and stroke patients takes coordination between prehospital clinicians, like Wake County paramedics and EMTs, and other parts of the healthcare system, like hospitals. Mission: Lifeline EMS® is the American Heart Association's national initiative to strengthen the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive conditions, such as severe heart attacks and strokes.
“We understand that EMS plays a vital role in Wake County’s healthcare system,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. “Building a safe and healthy community means investing in EMS staff and strengthening hospital partnerships, so our frontline crews can focus on what they do best – saving lives. We’re honored that the outstanding Wake County EMS team has been recognized by the American Heart Association.”
The Mission: Lifeline® EMS initiative helps to reduce barriers to prompt treatment – starting from when 911 is called to EMS response and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge.
Emergency medical services staff are an essential link in the system for time-sensitive patients because they can begin treatment when they arrive – initiating lifesaving measures up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped.
The American Heart Association grants the Mission: Lifeline® EMS award to systems that have shown a commitment to offering rapid and evidence-based care to people experiencing the most severe forms of heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrest, ultimately saving lives.
"With the lives of patients on the line, it's our responsibility to be diligent and provide the highest possible quality of care to the people who need us," said Wake County EMS Director Jon Studnek. "We're grateful that the American Heart Association has recognized our dedication through the Mission: Lifeline® EMS program, which puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis so patients have the best possible chance of survival."
Wake County is also recognized on the American Heart Association’s Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll and Target: Stroke Honor Roll. These awards focus on the system of care for patients, highlighting the collaboration and contributions of both prehospital and hospital providers. Agencies must meet criteria that shorten the time from a patient’s first medical contact to their arrival at the hospital and the start of treatment in order to earn these recognitions.
For more information about Mission: Lifeline, visit heart.org.
