DE Heart Health Programs

Protecting Children and Youth from Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Office of Emergency Medical Services

The mission of the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is to assure a comprehensive, effective and efficient statewide emergency medical care delivery system in order to reduce morbidity and mortality rates for the citizens of Delaware. The OEMS has several programs in place. To view the programs and activities of the OEMS, click on the title link above. Three of the key programs related to heart safety are; the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Oversight Council (DEMSOC), Early Defibrillation Program and Public Access to Defibrillation Program.

DEMSOC was formed pursuant to the Delaware Emergency Medical System Improvement Act of 1999 (HB332). The Council is charged with monitoring Delaware’s Emergency Medical Services system to ensure that all elements of the system are functioning in a coordinated, effective and efficient manner in order to reduce morbidity and mortality rates for the citizens of Delaware. As part of its mission, DEMSOC issues an annual report regarding the state of EMS in Delaware. To review additional information about DEMSOC, click on the title link above. To review the 2016 DEMSOC report, click on the picture to the right.

Delaware Early Defibrillation Program

The Delaware Early Defibrillation Program, also known as "The First State, First Shock Program", was established in 1999. The program established the criteria for training and right to practice of emergency responders to administer automatic external cardiac defibrillation (AEDs) in an out-of-hospital environment. To review additional information regarding the Early Defibrillation Program, click on the title link above.

Delaware Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) Program

Shortly after establishing the Early Defibrillation Program, the OEMS with funding from the State's Health Fund established the Delaware Public Access to Defibrillation (PAD) Program. Through this program, the OEMS, as funding allows, purchases and distribute AEDs, at no cost, to qualifying agencies/companies both private and public throughout Delaware. To review the State's PAD Program and the historical AED distributiions, click on the title above

State of Delaware Heart Health Programs

The State of Delaware's heart health programs are administered by the Division of Public Health (DPH) under the Department of Health and Social Services. The DPH has many Sections. Two of the Sections that are applicable to heart health are; Emergency Medical Services and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Section

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) Section of the Division of Public Health has the responsibility for prevention and control of chronic and communicable diseases and their risk factors. Section programs address: immunizations, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, tobacco control, physical activity, nutrition, health education, behavioral risk factor data, and more.

Unfortunately, at this time, HPDP does not have a program specific to heart related diseases and sudden cardiac arrest. To view the mission and activities of the HPDP, click on the title link above.

1-302-994-5906
2624 Whitman Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808