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IAFC, PulsePoint Foundation to recognize cardiac care innovation

Two departments will be honored at Fire–Rescue Med for creative EMS approaches to cardiac emergencies and sudden cardiac arrest with Heart Safe Community Awards

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IAFC

WASHINGTON — The PulsePoint Foundation is sponsoring the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) annual awards recognizing fire departments that are using innovative strategies to improve care for patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes and sudden cardiac arrest, organizers announced.

Presented by the IAFC’s EMS Section, the awards will honor two agencies based on community size: one serving a large population of more than 100,000 residents and one serving a small to mid-sized community of fewer than 100,000 residents. Award recipients will be recognized during Fire–Rescue Med (FRM).

To be considered, nominated agencies must demonstrate creative approaches that strengthen cardiac emergency response across key areas, including access to emergency care, emergency medical dispatch, AED access and first response, citizen alerting, bystander CPR, advanced life support, and data collection and review. Nominees may also be evaluated on additional program enhancements that support improved outcomes. The application period is open until March 6, 2026.

Award recipients will be required to submit a brief description of their community program for presentation during the FRM opening ceremonies.

The winning agencies’ stories will also be featured in future white papers and case studies aimed at sharing best practices and promoting the awards program.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.