St. Francis-Emory Healthcare announced today it has been named a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center (ECCC) by the Georgia Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma for excellence in emergency cardiac care. As a Level I facility, St. Francis-Emory Healthcare is recognized for its extensive cardiac services and treatment capabilities.

“We are proud to receive the Level I ECCC designation, which is a testament to the commitment of our team to fulfill our mission of Making Communities Healthier,” said Norma Kernels, director, cardiovascular services at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare. “With increasing rates of cardiovascular disease in our state, cardiac care is a priority, both in our Heart Hospital and within our Emergency Department.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in Georgia, and the state ranks 15^th in heart disease-related deaths nationwide. To improve cardiovascular outcomes, the Georgia Department of Public Health adopted a systems approach that includes the ECCC designation, to help inform emergency medical services about cardiac resources in communities, allowing them to connect patients with the right treatment quickly.

To receive ECCC designation, facilities undergo an evaluation process that includes a site inspection and assessment of emergency cardiac care processes and equipment. Hospitals are categorized as ECCC Level I, II or III, depending on capabilities, with Level I having the most extensive cardiac services.

The Emergency Department at St. Francis is specially equipped and staffed to diagnose and treat heart attacks and stroke. The hospital has earned Chest Pain Center and Cardiac Cath Lab – Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) accreditations from the American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services. For more information, visit www.mystfrancis.com/.