American Heart Association: Harnessing technology to strengthen emergency response in WNY

New American Heart Association effort aims to advance emergency communication systems 

American Heart Association press release 

When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke, fast, coordinated care can make the difference between life and death. Yet as mobile technologies – from telehealth platforms to mobile stroke units – rapidly transform emergency response, critical gaps in systems of care can arise, leaving lives in the balance.

The American Heart Association is launching a new effort to strengthen how emergency response systems communicate and coordinate care – bringing together local leaders in Buffalo and 12 other cities to help improve outcomes for patients.

Through this initiative, the AHA will work with EMS agencies, hospitals and public health partners to examine how information is shared across the chain of survival – and identify opportunities to improve coordination and reduce time to treatment.

“Effective communication across the chain of survival is essential to patient outcomes. This initiative brings national priorities into local action by working with EMS leaders to strengthen care delivery in communities," said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association, Western New York. “The American Heart Association is uniquely positioned to lead this work and advance the future of emergency response.”

The effort, financially supported by T-Mobile, is part of the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS program, which supports coordinated, guideline-directed care for patients experiencing cardiovascular emergencies. It also contributes to the AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers movement, by furthering the national goal to double survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.

In Buffalo, local stakeholders may participate in system of care discussions, share insights and help identify strategies that can improve emergency response across agencies and care settings. Insights from this work will also contribute to broader national efforts to strengthen emergency communication systems.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, it funds groundbreaking research, advocates for the public’s health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, AHA works tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.