Hospital recognized for cardiac care

The Sanders County Clark Fork Valley Hospital was recognized recently at the Cardiac and Stroke Awards in Billings Montana.

The awards are sponsored by the Cardiovascular Health Program within the state health department which saw the hospital recognized for their cardiac and stroke medical practices.

The Recognition Awards single out critical access hospitals that demonstrate that they have the infrastructure and commitment to provide high quality care for patients with acute heart attack and stroke.

Requirements for the recognition include tracking and reporting key cardiac and stroke outcomes, using outcomes data to initiate quality improvement activities and coordinating regular healthcare provider cardiac and stroke trainings.

Sanders County ambulances have proven to respond quickly and efficiently to call outs concerning residents experiencing the symptoms and signs related to cardiac and stroke attacks.

In a press release sent out by the hospital, administrative associates say, “Receiving the Recognition confirms Clark Fork Valley Hospital meets high standards related to the utilization of evidence-based cardiac and stroke order-sets and protocols, laboratory and radiology services available 24/7 and administrative commitment to treating acute heart attack and stroke patients’.

The Recognition Award was launched in 2011 and the Clark Fork Valley Hospital is now one of only nine Critical Access Hospitals in Montana to have received the Stroke award. Also, only one of twelve to have received the Cardiac award.

Medical officials say recognizing the symptoms of a possible stroke and or heart attack, and being able to phone for help can be key in saving a life.

Some symptoms of heart attacks are:

- Discomfort in the chest that does not go away after a short period of time

- Discomfort in the arm, shoulder, jaw or upper back

- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort

- Breaking out into a cold sweat, unexplained nausea, dizziness, palpitations or fatigue

While symptoms of a stroke will look like this:

- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face arm or leg

- Sudden trouble seeing

- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

- Sudden loss of balance or coordination

- Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the Montana. Last year, over 5,000 Montana families were directly impacted by the devastating effects of heart attack and stroke.

if you or someone you know experience heart attack or stroke symptoms ensure you phone 9-1-1 immediately.