A unique collaboration between Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and Chino Fire Valley District is improving heart attack survival rates that are above the state and national averages.
When fire department paramedics observe heart attack patients they helped on the streets and can follow the patient into the hospital to observe treatment and recovery, it improves heart attack survival rates. A unique collaboration between Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Stead Heart & Vascular Center (PVHMC) and Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) has improved local cardiac arrest survival rates during 2018-2021 from 16.7% to 62.5% while state and national averages have remained relatively flat, under 30%, according to the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) database.
As a key partner in improving survival and long-term health outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest, CVFD transports many of the sudden cardiac arrest patients it receives to PVHMC. Upon admission to the hospital, patients are immediately assessed for treatment necessary to improve survival and neurological outcomes. Cardiac arrest survivors have access to a cutting-edge 24/7 cardiac catheterization lab, temperature management system, cardiac rehabilitation, wearable defibrillators, and specialized resources to monitor their condition and improve the quality of long-term health outcomes.
“This collaboration with CVFD is a testament to how strategic partnerships with EMS community can save lives and improve long term health outcomes for the communities we serve. It’s rewarding to work with partners like the Chino Valley Fire District who share a passion for improving patient outcomes.”
Debbie Keasler, MS, BSN, BS, RN, NE-BC, PHN, Director of Cardiovascular Services at PVHMC
To promote learning and a continuum of care, CVFD personnel are allowed to observe cardiac catheterization lab procedures and they are encouraged to visit their patients in the hospital as they recover. PVHMC also implemented a follow-up program that provides CVFD personnel with specific information regarding heart attack patients who survive with good neurological outcomes.
“CVFD has seen a consistent improvement among the patients we have served since the initiative began. This type of collaboration produces a model of live-saving care that can be replicated across the nation.”
Dave Williams, Fire Chief at Chino Valley Fire District.
To learn more about PVHMC, visit www.pvhmc.org.
About Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC), a nationally recognized and accredited 412-bed, not-for-profit community medical center and trauma center, proudly serves residents in eastern Los Angeles and western San Bernardino counties.
PVHMC’s accolades include Magnet recognition for nursing excellence and The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval
for advanced certification in inpatient diabetes care, palliative care, sepsis, perinatal care and total joint replacement. As one of the largest birthing hospitals in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, PVHMC is honored to hold the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation.
The Hospital is named a Best Regional Hospital and High-Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit pvhmc.org.
About Chino Valley Fire District
Chino Valley Fire is an all-risk fire district serving the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, and unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Our firefighter/paramedics and specialized teams respond to structure fires, vegetation fires, medical aids, traffic collisions, confined space rescues, water rescues, and hazardous materials incidents.
Specialized teams include Urban Search and Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Swift Water Rescue. CVFD began in 1895 as Chino Fire Company No. 1 and has since grown to include seven fire stations, housing over 120 professional firefighters. CVFD firefighter/paramedics pride themselves in providing exceptional customer service and protecting the Chino Valley.
In 1975, Chino Valley Fire became one of the first fire departments in San Bernardino County to provide paramedic services. Since then, Chino Valley Fire has continued to embrace innovative practices to deliver the highest level of paramedic services available in our field. As of today, Chino Valley Fire has one of the highest per capita of paramedics, with 98% of our Firefighters being licensed paramedics.
Chino Valley Fire continues to make significant progress in our relentless pursuit to increase survival from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. In 2021, (Utstein) Survival rates reached 62.5% in the Chino Valley, nearly tripling survival rates in San Bernardino County, and more than doubling state and national survival rates.
