Manatee County EMS Earns National Gold Award for Excellence in Heart Attack and Stroke Care
Manatee County EMS has received national recognition for the second consecutive year for its emergency response and treatment of heart attack and stroke patients.
The agency earned the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Achievement Award, which recognizes emergency medical services that meet national standards for providing rapid, coordinated care to patients experiencing life-threatening cardiac and stroke emergencies.
Over the past year, Manatee County EMS responded to more than 3,300 chest pain calls, 650 cardiac arrests and 1,700 stroke-related emergencies. Those incidents often require immediate medical intervention, as every minute can significantly affect a patient’s chances of survival and recovery.
EMS crews begin treatment as soon as they arrive on scene by evaluating patients, performing diagnostic tests, notifying hospitals and ensuring specialized medical teams are prepared before the ambulance arrives.
EMS Chief Sean Dwyer credited the recognition to the dedication and professionalism of the department’s paramedics and EMTs, noting their continued commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality emergency care for the community.
The American Heart Association encourages anyone who suspects a heart attack or stroke to call 911 immediately, emphasizing that rapid emergency response can greatly improve patient outcomes.

