Orlando Health Melbourne earns Brevard County's first Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence designation

Orlando Health Melbourne has been named Brevard County’s first Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence, according to a statement from the health system. The designation, announced in early 2024, recognizes the hospital’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart attacks, strokes, and other time-sensitive emergencies. The center must meet strict criteria set by the Florida Hospital Association, including rapid response times and specialized training for staff.

The hospital’s emergency department saw over 25,000 patients in 2023 alone, with a 92% survival rate for patients treated for acute heart attacks, according to internal data. Orlando Health officials said the center will expand existing programs, including advanced cardiac care and stroke protocols. The facility is located at 2000 W. New Haven Ave. in Melbourne, a hub for medical services on the Space Coast.

The designation requires hospitals to maintain a 15-minute average door-to-balloon time for heart attack patients, a metric Orlando Health Melbourne has consistently met since 2022. Dr. Sarah Mitchell, the hospital’s chief medical officer, said the recognition reflects years of investment in staff training and technology. “This isn’t just about a plaque on the wall,” she said. “It’s about saving lives faster.”

The center will also participate in statewide quality improvement initiatives, sharing data with other Florida hospitals to standardize care. Brevard County’s population has grown by 12% since 2020, increasing demand for emergency services. Orlando Health officials said they plan to hire additional paramedics and upgrade imaging equipment to handle the rising caseload.

The designation comes as Brevard County officials push to reduce preventable deaths from cardiac and neurological emergencies. County Commissioner Lisa Ramirez called the recognition “a win for our community,” noting that the center serves more than 300,000 residents across 14 municipalities. The hospital will host a public open house in April to showcase its new programs.