NEW YORK — Eight months after implementing “NYC Project Hypothermia,” the New York City Fire Department has been recognized by the Washington-based, non-profit Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) for the new program, in which FDNY’s Emergency Medical Service transports eligible cardiac arrest patients directly to hospitals that use the cooling therapy.
Administering chilled intravenous fluids can reduce the chance of brain damage and increase the chance of survival.
“We’re continuously looking for ways to provide even better emergency medical care to New Yorkers and this is proof that we’re moving in the right direction,” Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said. “FDNY’s Office of Medical Affairs and members of our Emergency Medical Service really deserve recognition for rolling out this innovative program. We also owe thanks to our partners at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, including Dr. Stephan Mayer, who helped make this a reality.”
“The City of New York’s demonstrated leadership and the complex undertaking of implementing these new protocols in the nation’s largest city are noteworthy and set the standard for other U.S. cities, large and small,” SCAA Executive Director Stephen Chiames said in an award letter. “The example set by FDNY is an important milestone in the expansion of this promising new patient care.”
Since January, FDNY EMS has transported hundreds of patients directly to hypothermia centers in all five boroughs. FDNY hopes to begin administering hypothermia treatment on ambulances in the near future.
The Greater New York Hospital Association, American Heart Association, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York City also assisted in launching the program.
The award will be presented Oct. 10 in Chicago.
For more information, contact:
Francis X. Gribbon
Steve Ritea
(718) 999-2056
(718) 999-0033 (fax)