The American Heart Association, in collaboration with T-Mobile, has announced a new initiative to address critical gaps in emergency communication systems for cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke response. The initiative, launched during National EMS Week, aims to optimize the use of mobile technologies such as telehealth platforms and mobile stroke units, which have rapidly transformed emergency response but also introduced inconsistencies in care coordination.
According to the Association, reliable communication between dispatch, EMS crews, and receiving hospitals is essential for survival, yet gaps in technology integration can lead to delays and poor outcomes. The initiative will convene EMS agency leadership, hospital executives, and public health partners in 13 cities—including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco—to identify where technology can be better utilized and to produce recommendations for strengthening emergency response.
This effort is integrated into the Association's Mission: Lifeline EMS program, which engages over 1,000 EMS agencies nationwide. It is also part of the Nation of Lifesavers movement, a national initiative aiming to double survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.
"When communication breaks down in the chain of survival, people die. This initiative translates our national mission into market-level action—working alongside EMS leaders to improve care in real communities," said Dr. Kacey Kronenfeld, volunteer co-chair of the American Heart Association's EMS Task Force. The regional forums will generate insights that feed into national learning and actionable improvement strategies.
Annual national roundtables, co-hosted by the Association and T-Mobile, will convene technology leaders from EMS agencies to shape the future of emergency communication systems. "Connectivity saves lives—and that's not just a tagline for us," said Rod Cruz, vice president of growth and emerging businesses at T-Mobile. The company's financial support will also help expand participation in Mission: Lifeline EMS recognition, encouraging more agencies to meet standards for guideline-directed care.
The initiative underscores the importance of seamless technology integration in emergency medical services. By focusing on 13 diverse markets, the Association aims to create a model that can be replicated nationwide, ultimately improving outcomes for millions of Americans experiencing time-sensitive cardiac and stroke emergencies.