POLAND — Poland Fire Rescue has announced that Poland has been awarded the Gold level as a Maine HeartSafe Community. The Maine HeartSafe Community program is a cooperative initiative of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Cardiovascular Health Program and the Maine Emergency Medical Services office.

The program recognizes local efforts made to provide strong cardiovascular-related emergency care for residents and visitors, and promotes partnership between local EMS services and community partners to improve overall cardiovascular health awareness. Each year, local Emergency Medical Services and their community partners are recognized by the governor during National EMS Week in May.

The Heartsafe Community designation is based on the American Heart Associations’ “Chain of Survival.” The four components of the Chain of Survival are: early access to emergency care, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced care.

To learn how to become part of Poland’s HeartSafe Community efforts, contact Chief Mike Bosse or Lisa Albee at Poland Fire Rescue, 998-2361.