09/14/2026
The Verona Fire Protection District is proud to announce Sergeant Zachary Jones and Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Young were recognized by the St. Elizabeth Healthcare system and the American Heart Association for a transport of a stroke patient this past July. Together, their transport resulted in the fastest door-to-needle administration of TNK. Their exceptional care and coordination contributed to TNK administration within 24 minutes of the patient’s arrival at St. Elizabeth Florence. Since 2019, this 24 minute door-to-needle time ranks as the third-fastest stroke treatment time across the St. Elizabeth Healthcare system! This achievement qualifies the two of them for a Stroke Challenge Coin and the Pink Brain Pin. We are proud of all their hard work and commitment to the community.
Target Stroke is a national quality improvement initiative launched by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in 2010. The initiative is designed to improve outcomes for patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke by reducing the time from hospital arrival to administration of thrombolytic therapy for eligible patients. Now in Phase III, the program continues to emphasize collaboration across the entire stroke continuum of care, including emergency medical services.
Achieving exceptional stroke outcomes requires the implement of best practices across the healthcare system. While door-to-needle time is measured as a hospital metric, EMS plays a critical role in its success. Rapid stroke recognition, timely response and transport, prehospital notification and effective handoff communication are essential links in the chain of survival that enable healthcare teams to deliver timely, evidence-based stroke care.
Congratulations Zach and Nick!