The Joint Commission awarded two non-PCI hospitals Acute Heart Attack Ready certificates after demonstrating a quick and effective response for heart attack patients
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) announced that Baptist Health Medical Center and North Arkansas Regional Medical Center earned Acute Heart Attack Ready certifications.
The Joint Commission awards these certifications to hospitals that demonstrate the ability to quickly recognize heart attack symptoms, provide timely treatment, and deliver appropriate care when needed.
Baptist Health Medical Center-Hot Spring County and North Arkansas Regional Medical Center are the first hospitals in Arkansas without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capabilities to earn the certification.
Bala Simon, the ADH’s deputy chief medical officer, said every minute counts during a heart attack. He said the certification recognizes hospitals that have demonstrated their ability to provide timely treatment and coordinate care for heart attack patients.