Sarasota County Fire Department Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Cardiac and Stroke Care
SARASOTA COUNTY – The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) has once again been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association for its outstanding emergency care for heart attack and stroke patients. SCFD received the 2025 Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award with Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll and the newly introduced Target: Stroke Honor Roll, underscoring the department’s commitment to providing fast, evidence-based care that saves lives.
This marks the ninth consecutive year that SCFD has earned the American Heart Association’s highest-level honor for EMS agencies. The Mission: Lifeline EMS program recognizes excellence in prehospital care, particularly the critical role first responders play in improving outcomes for patients experiencing acute cardiac events or strokes.
In 2024, cardiac and stroke calls accounted for 4% of all SCFD EMS responses. On average, the department transports more than 100 patients each day to area hospitals.
“It is through the incredible work of our Sarasota County Fire Department personnel and the collaboration with local hospitals that we have achieved this recognition,” said Sarasota County Fire Chief David Rathbun. “We remain committed to delivering the highest quality care to every patient.”
Emergency Services Director Rich Collins echoed that sentiment: “This award is a reflection of the daily dedication, training, and expertise our teams bring to the community. We are proud of their efforts and grateful for the recognition.”
For more information about the Sarasota County Fire Department, visit scgov.net/fire or call 311.
About SCFD:
The Sarasota County Fire Department is an internationally accredited, all-hazards response agency providing fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical services, and special operations to the residents of unincorporated Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota.
About Mission: Lifeline:
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS recognition program promotes excellence in emergency cardiac and stroke care, encouraging systems of care that are evidence-based, data-driven, and focused on improving survival and recovery outcomes. Learn more at heart.org.
Sarasota County is committed to non-discrimination in all services, programs, and activities. View the full policy at scgov.net (search “ADA compliance”).