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.