The Harnett County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System has been nationally recognized, earning the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS® Gold Star Award. Earning the Gold level recognition means the Harnett County EMS system has demonstrated sustained, high compliance with outlined performance measures and rigorous national benchmarks for multiple years. 

The Mission: Lifeline EMS® Award recognizes EMS agencies for their excellent care of patients experiencing time-sensitive cardiovascular emergencies, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. It is a national quality-improvement initiative designed to improve survival and outcomes for cardiovascular patients.  

The program focuses on strengthening the entire system of care, from the 911 call to seamless transitions between EMS care and the hospital team. 

“I am so proud of all the hard work that went into this achievement,” said Harnett County EMS Compliance/HIPAA Officer Jena Owen in a press release. “It takes the entire healthcare system working together as a tribe for all the different levels of care to achieve their timely benchmarks. I am very proud that, as the EMS leg of this system, we are doing our part for the best outcome for patients.” 

The Harnett County EMS System has set itself apart by its commitment to timely, research-based care to those experiencing heart attacks and strokes. This achievement has taken about three years to accomplish.  

In 2023, the Harnett County EMS system won the Bronze level award and was committed to improving their service. The following year, in 2024, they were awarded the Silver level award. Finally, in 2025, the Harnett County EMS system received the Gold Star Award, representing the highest level of care for patients. 

“Our providers made a commitment three years ago to improve our system of care for heart attack and stroke patients,” added Owen in a press release. “Achieving Gold recognition shows what can happen when a team is committed to continuous improvement and delivering the best possible care to our community.” 

 Some of the required performance measures that EMS had to achieve to meet Gold status included:  

• Quick acquisition of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG-a heart tracing) in the field to identify serious heart attacks. 
• Early notification to the hospital when a serious heart attack or stroke is identified. 
• Consistent documentation and data review to ensure the system continues improving patient care. 
• Transmitting the ECG to the receiving hospital so emergency physicians and cardiac teams can begin preparing for the patient before arrival. 

Meeting all the necessary benchmarks requires strong coordination between 911 dispatchers, EMTs, paramedics and hospital care teams. This Gold Star Award represents the dedication and hard work of the entire Harnett County EMS system.