06/10/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2026
LANSDALE, PA
VMSC EMS Earns American Heart Association's 2026 Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Achievement Award
VMSC Emergency Medical Services is honored to announce it has received the American Heart Association's 2026 Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Achievement Award, the highest level of recognition awarded to EMS agencies demonstrating excellence in the care of patients experiencing heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies.
The Gold Achievement Award recognizes EMS agencies that meet rigorous national standards for rapid assessment, treatment, and transport while delivering evidence-based care that improves patient outcomes. Gold-designated agencies represent a select group of EMS providers nationwide recognized for exceptional clinical performance, continuous quality improvement, and a commitment to saving lives.
"At VMSC, our commitment to saving lives extends far beyond responding to emergencies," said Chief Shane Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer of VMSC. "We continue to invest in innovative clinical programs, advanced training, and community education initiatives that improve outcomes for the patients we serve every day. In 2025, we became the first EMS agency serving Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties to carry and administer whole blood in the field, placing us among approximately 1% of EMS agencies nationwide offering this lifesaving capability. Through our Heart Safe Community initiatives, CPR and AED education programs, and ongoing advancements in cardiac and stroke care, we remain focused on strengthening every link in the chain of survival and ensuring our communities have access to the highest standard of emergency medical care when it matters most."
Those efforts are producing measurable results. In 2025, VMSC responded to 1,698 cardiac incidents, 543 stroke emergencies, and 375 cardiac arrests across its communities. Through advanced clinical protocols, continuous quality improvement, and rapid intervention, VMSC achieved a 35% return of spontaneous circulation rate among cardiac arrest patients, above national benchmarks. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of VMSC's commitment to clinical excellence and its ongoing investment in innovative, evidence-based emergency care.
Beyond emergency response, VMSC is committed to building Heart Safe Communities through CPR training, AED awareness initiatives, community outreach, and public education.
As VMSC continues to expand its clinical capabilities and community health initiatives, the organization remains focused on delivering exceptional patient care and improving outcomes for the communities it serves. This national recognition reflects the dedication of VMSC providers and staff and their commitment to ensuring every patient has access to the highest standard of emergency medical care.