Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital has become the first facility in Brevard County to earn the Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence designation. The recognition comes from Orlando Health and is part of a statewide program that evaluates hospitals on cardiac arrest care standards. The hospital met criteria including emergency response coordination, treatment protocols, and community education efforts related to CPR and resuscitation.
Hospital President Ron Gicca called the designation a reflection of teamwork among staff and local emergency medical teams. "This recognition shows how our physicians, nurses, therapists and EMS partners work together daily to improve outcomes for cardiac patients," Gicca said in a statement. The program assesses hospitals on evidence-based treatment practices, quality improvement efforts, and collaboration with emergency medical services.
Emergency department Medical Director Dr. Kevin Freels emphasized the need for rapid coordination in treating cardiac arrest patients. "Seamless teamwork, clinical expertise and outcome evaluation are critical," Freels said. The hospital highlighted its collaboration with Brevard County Fire Rescue, which also plays a role in the designation process. Dr. Bobby Ford, EMS medical director for the fire rescue, said shared standards between hospitals and field responders can improve survival rates.
The designation is awarded through the Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors in partnership with the state's resuscitation recognition program. Hospital officials noted that cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., with about 350,000 annual deaths nationwide. The hospital's efforts include public outreach such as CPR education and support for cardiac arrest survivors and their families.