Clarion Hospital EMS Training Center Earns American Heart Association All-Star Recognition Award

CLARION, Pa., May 20, 2026 ─   The Clarion Hospital EMS Training Center has earned the American Heart Association All-Star Recognition Award, placing it among the inaugural group of training centers nationwide recognized for excellence in CPR education and training quality, Independence Health System announced today. The designation recognizes training centers that consistently deliver high-quality CPR education, adhere to American Heart Association (AHA) Emergency Cardiovascular Care guidelines, and strengthen lifesaving training standards in the communities they serve.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of our EMS team and educators, who work every day to ensure first responders and caregivers are trained, prepared and ready to act when seconds matter,” said Matthew Schnur, president of Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals. “We are proud that the Clarion Hospital EMS Training Center is being recognized nationally for setting the standard in lifesaving training.”

Independence Health System Clarion Hospital EMS Training Center serves as the training center for both Clarion Hospital and Butler Memorial Hospital, as well as many community partners throughout the region. The center earned All-Star status by meeting or exceeding all AHA program benchmarks, including strong eCard performance, adherence to training quality measures, and top-tier compliance.

“This award is a testament to the teamwork and attention to detail required to maintain the highest level of training quality,” said Heather Nulph, coordinator of the Training Center. “Our goal is to equip health care professionals and community members with the skills and confidence they need in critical moments.”

The importance of early EMS intervention is underscored by the critical role emergency responders play in cardiac care. When patients call 911, care begins the moment EMS arrives, allowing crews to perform rapid assessments and obtain an electrocardiogram, or EKG, at the scene. This early evaluation supports faster clinical decision-making and timely access to definitive cardiac care—when every minute matters.

“High-quality CPR and early intervention start long before a patient reaches the hospital,” said Don Hosey, Manager of EMS services at Clarion Hospital. “Our EMTs and paramedics train to recognize cardiac emergencies quickly, begin treatment immediately and communicate critical information to the hospital. That preparation can make a meaningful difference in improving outcomes.”

In celebration of EMS Week May 17─23, Independence Health System also recognizes and thanks EMS professionals for their service, skill, and commitment to saving lives. For additional information about CPR training opportunities through the Clarion Hospital EMS Training Center, or to obtain resources on recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack, visit www.independence.health.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.