Milton is one of just two places nationwide to earn a prestigious Heart Safe Community Award – given in recognition of our Fire-Rescue Department’s creative, constructive, and effective efforts to improve outcomes for those suffering cardiac-related emergencies.

Every year, the International Association of Fire Chiefs bestows two of these honors shining a spotlight on select fire departments’ innovative approaches to helping patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and sudden cardiac arrest. Milton won in the small-to-mid-sized community category for those with populations less than 100,000. (The 100,000+ recipient for 2026 is Montgomery County in Maryland). 

Each department boasts many examples of relevant, impactful programs, services, and initiatives related to heart health. In Milton’s case, advanced medical protocols, strong coordination with hospitals, exceptional training, and investments in tools like cardiac monitors and the Autopulse (an automated CPR delivery system) contributed to a cardiac survivability rate of 33% in 2024 and 20% in 2025 – both significantly better than the national norm. 

Milton also does a lot extra through Fire CARES, our mobile integrated health program that provides health care resources, education, and services to citizens. (For more information, go to www.miltonga.gov/FireCARES.) Related offerings include: 

• Free CPR and AED training classes, led by Milton firefighter paramedics, for neighborhood groups, coaches, and others interested in knowing what they can do for those in medical duress. Participants learn procedures and techniques that they can employ to act swiftly and potentially save lives, which is especially important given how valuable it is to start CPR and AED use as soon as possible.
• An “AED Library” through which people can borrow lightweight, compact, easy-to-transport, and simple-to-use Automated External Defibrillators to have on-hand at events like an athletic tournament, family reunion, neighborhood block party, graduation or anniversary celebration, or other such gatherings. (Details on this free program can be found at https://www.miltonga.gov/government/fire/aed-library.)
• Public wellness clinics at which Derek Hofmann, a Milton firefighter and registered nurse, offers anyone who drops in a range of tests at no charge. Among other things, he can measure a person’s blood pressure and (using an electrocardiogram, or EKG) their heart health.
• Pulsepoint, an interactive application in which qualified citizens get alerts on their phone about cardiac arrests reported at public locales in their vicinity. They also can see locations of the nearest AEDs. (Visit www.miltonga.gov/PulsePoint to learn more.)

This is all on top of extensive training that Milton firefighters (who are all EMTs) receive over the course of the year so they know what to do when someone experiences a heart-related crisis. All Milton Fire engines, moreover, are equipped with tools for firefighters to provide Advanced Life Support.

Chief Gabe Benmoussa officially will receive Heart Safe Community Award on behalf of the department and city during the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire-Rescue Med conference in Glendale, Arizona, later this month.

“This award reflects years of concerted, supportive efforts by our department, our City Council, and our community to do what we can to help people with cardiac-related issues,” said Benmoussa. “As honored as we are receive it, we are even more committed to keep working to find more cutting-edge, difference-making ways to benefit our community.”