Bayonet Point Hospital first in Pasco County to earn Cardiac Resuscitation Excellence designation

Hudson, FL — HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has been designated as a Comprehensive Regional Resuscitation Center of Excellence — the first hospital in Pasco County to earn this recognition for leadership in advanced emergency care. This designation, awarded by the Florida Resuscitation Center Committee (FRCC), is part of a statewide initiative to improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest.

Cardiac Arrest remains a leading cause of death nationwide, claiming approximately 350,000 lives annually.  Despite medical advances, in Florida only one in 10 individuals who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive. This initiative aims to improve survival rates through community awareness and education including bystander training in hands-only CPR, early activation of 9-1-1 followed by advanced emergency cardiac care in the appropriate hospital setting.

“Being named the first Regional Resuscitation Center of Excellence in Pasco County reflects HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital’s deep commitment to our community.  By introducing the latest innovations and empowering individuals through hands-only CPR education, we’re working together to improve survival rates. This designation reflects our team’s expertise, our collaboration with EMS partners and our shared mission to save lives” said Sally Seymour, CEO of HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital.

“This achievement represents the commitment of the hospital administration to select expert physicians and staff that collaborate with EMS partners to improve survival and outcomes “said Dr. Gopal Chalavarya, Cardiologist, Medical Director of the FRCE Multidisciplinary Team at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital.

Patient story and quote

When 64-year-old Anthony Salamone collapsed while playing golf, not breathing and without a pulse, his best friend, who happens to be a former firefighter, immediately jumped in and began CPR. EMS arrived swiftly, providing life-saving interventions including intubation, defibrillation, and ACLS.  He was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital, where the STEMI team was already activated. Treated for cardiogenic shock, Anthony underwent a successful PCI performed by Dr. Rias Ali.  “I won the lottery that day. There is no money in this world that will pay everyone that saved my life that day, “said Anthony Salamone.  “I played an important part saving my best friend’s life”, said Scott Laprade.