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By: Dr. Eric Peterson, MD, MPH and Doug Boyle, MS, International Committee Co-Chairs

We are pleased to announce a significant achievement! Two hospitals in Saudi Arabia have been the first facilities outside the U.S. to receive AHA Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Bronze Award. Saud Al Babtain Cardiac Center in Dammam and King Abdulaziz Hospital in Jeddah have received this award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined for the treatment of patients who suffer in-hospital cardiac arrests.

Today there are 9 hospitals in KSA and UAE participating in Get With The Guidelines and Stroke Center Certification and more in development. This achievement illustrates the progress that can be achieved in our shared mission for a world of longer, healthier lives.   The AHA is pleased to recognize and support The Saud Al Babtain Cardiac Center and King Abdulaziz Hospital in their delivery of world-class quality-of-care. By working together with our regional partners, AHA Quality Improvement programs can help facilities deliver on promises to patients, measure performance and maintain Quality Improvement Standards.

After 20 years of quality improvement with our Get With The Guidelines programs in the United States, we know that patient outcomes improve when medical professionals follow the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines. Studies have shown that consistent use of these guidelines increases survival rates and lowers patients' risk of ending up back in the hospital. The American Heart Association's recognition program helps identify hospitals that meet guidelines-based standards for the treatment of stroke, heart failure and heart attack, establishing a way for professionals and patients alike to have a trusted, transparent view of the daily efforts to adhere to the latest science in scenarios for every patient.