The Sarasota County Fire Department has once again proven to be a leader in emergency response, achieving the remarkable 2026 Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold with Target: Stroke Honor Roll for the tenth consecutive year. This prestigious award highlights their unwavering commitment to swift, evidence-based care, especially during critical cardiac and stroke emergencies.
Every day, SCFD transports over 100 patients to local hospitals, with a notable 8% of those cases involving serious heart or stroke events. Their collaboration with local healthcare facilities is crucial, ensuring that patients receive immediate, life-saving treatment right when they need it most. This degree of coordination can be the difference between life and death, and it’s no wonder this dedicated team receives consistent recognition for their hard work.
Fire Chief David Rathbun celebrates his team’s dedication, emphasizing that this award reflects the relentless training and partnership with local hospitals. With such impressive stats behind them, it’s clear that the Sarasota County Fire Department isn’t just fighting fires; they’re also saving lives—and making sure that every second counts in a crisis! It just goes to show that when the bells go off, these first responders are ready to roll. Hats off to them for a decade of exceptional service!

