SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM HONOR THREE MED-CARE EMS PROVIDERS WITH ITS HOMETOWN HEROES AWARD DURING SURPRISE CEREMONY
As part of efforts to honor the brave, selfless individuals who work tirelessly to provide swift medical attention to Rio Grande Valley residents in need, STHS recognized three Med-Care EMS providers whose swift action helped save the life of a woman having a heart attack
In the United States, an estimated 805,000 people a year suffer a heart attack, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the survival rate for those hospitalized between 90-97%.
While the odds of surviving a heart attack are high, swift action is required since every second counts in saving lives and minimizing long-term damage.
In addition to patients being able to recognize when they’re experiencing a cardiac event and seek help right away, rapid ambulance response is imperative. Along with assessing the scene to confirm whether a patient is in cardiac arrest and initiate resuscitation, EMTs and paramedics can work closely with local hospitals like South Texas Health System Heart to ensure they’re fully prepared to treat incoming heart attack patients.
Responding to a 911 call in late September 2024, three Med-Care EMS providers quickly recognized the signs of a heart attack in a 59-year-old Valley woman. Working with STHS Heart emergency room personnel, the team was able to provide thorough treatment on the scene, which allowed the patient to bypass the emergency room and be rushed to one of the facility’s cardiac catheterization labs. Once in the hospital’s care, the on-call physician was able to insert a transvenous pacer in the patient and administer a drug-eluting stent.
From initial contact with the patient to the administering of the stent, only 50 minutes elapsed, well below the 90-minute benchmark set by the American College of Cardiology.
“During a heart attack, swift medical care is crucial in order for a patient to avoid serious disability or death,” says Jason Waller, BSN, RN, CEN, NR/CCEMT-P, Chest Pain & Trauma Coordinator, STHS Heart. “This team’s stellar performance made all the difference for this patient. From the field, they were able to relay the patient’s EKG information to the hospital. Upon arrival, she was able to receive immediate care and eventually discharged with minimal effects.”
The patient was discharged in stable condition five days later.
For their stellar performance on the field, paramedic Jose Flores, advanced EMT Roswitha Flores and EMT Ricky Norman were honored with South Texas Health System’s Hometown Heroes Award, a distinction recognizing the life-saving work of first responders across the Rio Grande Valley, during a surprise ceremony on Thursday, February 27.
Held at the Med-Care EMS offices, the event featured the participation of STHS Heart leaders, as well as Dr. Luis Padula, the interventional cardiologist who treated the patient at the facility, and Med-Care representatives.
Paramedic supervisor, Felipe Alvarez, commended Jose, Ricky and Roswitha for their commitment, skills and knowledge.
“The community is lucky to have these three in the field,” says Alvarez. “With decades of experience between them, Jose, Ricky and Roswitha are dedicated to their community and dedicated to their craft.”
For more information on STHS’s Hometown Heroes Award or to nominate a local first responder who has gone the extra mile to provide life-saving medical attention, visit southtexashealthsystem.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
