Area ambulance services were recently recognized by the American Heart Association for their proactive use of advanced EKG monitoring of patients suffering potential myocardial infarctions.

The ceremony took place in the Banko Center of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg campus.

Dr. Bruce Feldman, Lehigh Valley Health Network cardiologist, gave a presentation to both emergency medical service providers and LVHN cardiology personnel regarding the positive outcome of using a 12-lead EKG prior to arriving at the hospital.

The inclusion of 12-lead EKGs en route to a hospital, which has a full complement of cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic services, greatly enhances patient survival and recovery.

Also attending the presentation were Dr. Nainesh Patel, LVHN cardiologist and Orlando Rivera, RN, LVHN, acute coronary syndrome coordinator.