www.StarNewsDaily.com – Week of May 24, 2012 – Vol.5, No. 21 – FREE
‘Double Time’
New Hanger Heightens Emergency Readiness for Star Flight
The two Star Flight helicopters are shown in front of the current hanger on Allen Street behind WCA Hospital. WCA Services broke ground on a new hanger, which will permit both helicopters to be dispatched simultaneously for emergency transports.
the two 5-blade helicopters to meet Part 135 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards allowing it to operate as a for-hire service. In emergency medicine, the “golden WCA Hospital is the largest hospihour” refers to a specified time lasttal in the county and according to ing from a few minutes to several Thomas, represents 50% of the Star hours following trauma where there Flight transports when patients are is the highest likelihood that prompt moved to “designated care centers” in medical treatment will prevent death Buffalo, Erie or other locations. or debilitation. “The (ED) Emergency Department WCA Services has been answering is right across the street from the those urgent calls in Chautauqua hanger. Because we don’t operate as County for 29 years, starting as the a dedicated flight medical team, it’s primary ambulance company in the very easy for us to save costs. Having county and then adding Star Flight the second helicopter here allows us in 1986, which at the time reprethe ability to put together a second sented a collaborative effort funded team to go on a another flight at the by WCA Foundation. same time.” A new chapter in emergency readiness “The addition to the hanger was an began as WCA Services broke ground economy of scale. It made sense for the recently on a second hanger for its way our program was being done to Allen Street site. The addition will have both here. The mechanic is also a allow both Star Flight helicopters to be pilot, so he is able to be here to mainhoused at the hanger permitting for tain the helicopters at the same time.” the first time simultaneous dispatch of Despite the absence of a “dedicated life-saving transport services. crew”, Chief Flight Nurse Debbie According to Executive Director Da- Weaver says when the call is made, a vid Thomas, WCA Services acquired By Patricia Pihl Editor
crew is dispatched and off the ground in under ten minutes. For an on-scene call, first responders make a call to the Chautauqua County Sheriff, who then dispatches to WCA Services the need for a pilot. If the weather is safe to fly, a nurse and paramedic are part of the medical team who accompany both a pilot and co-pilot to the scene. According to Thomas, WCA Services does over 17,000 air and ambulance and transports a year, or one transport for every five people in Chautauqua County. Those numbers are only expected to grow in the years to come. “Ten years ago, we didn’t have as many vehicles on the road that we have today. Our demands have over doubled. In another five years they could very easily grow another 30%-40%. “ Compounding the problem is a shrinking base of volunteer firefighters, who usually carry (Basic Life Support) accreditation. “Seventy percent of our people that work in the medic roles are volunteer firemen. So as people have left, we don’t have as many people to draw from…
This is an industry-wide concern. There are statistics that reveal by the year 2016, there is going to be a 30-35% greater demand for paramedics and those needs aren’t going to be met.” Thomas says an aging population, the obesity crisis and the fact that life expectancy has increased all play into the increased demand. In addition, many hospitals are becoming “designated care areas or centers,” says Thomas. “Thirty years ago you went to your local hospital and they treated you. Now, they want to get you to those facilities as quickly as possible, within what they call that “golden hour.” Thomas says one of the initiatives WCA Services has taken on to meet those demands is to put in place a state-of-the-art distance-learning lab at its Third Street facility. “The closest paramedic programs available were either at Erie Community College or Olean.” Beyond the statistics are the stories told in lives changed and lives saved. Continued on pg 2
Bemus Bay Pops Prepares For Its Grandest Season Ever By The Chautauqua Star Staff
Summer 2012 will be the most eventful season that the Bemus Bay Pops has put together since its inception 15 years ago. A full schedule of family friendly quality entertainment for all ages to enjoy is set to take place on the DFT Communications Floating Stage in Bemus Point, NY. Dan Dalpra, CEO and Founder of the Bemus Bay Pops along with Michelle Turner, Director of Development and Communications worked diligently over the winter to coordinate a season of stellar programming. Dan Dalpra stated, “I am thankful to all of our contributors and volunteers who make these events possible. Michelle Turner states that, “By partnering with local businesses and the generous donations received from organizations and individuals, our program has been able to continue and grow.” The 2012 season opens on Sunday, June 24 at 2:30 p.m. with a tribute to Shania Twain. There are concerts all summer long including a July 4 celebration complete with fireworks in honor of war Veterans with entertainment by “Abbamania.” A Bob Seger tribute is scheduled for Sunday July 29. An evening with national recording artist Pam Tillis on Saturday, September 1 will once again feature
June 30; Wanted - Bon Jovi Tribute Band on July 1; ABBA Tribute Show – Abbamania on July 4; Hotel California - Eagles Tribute on July 7; Stars Of Pop on July 8; Jimmy and the Soul Blazers on July 14; Rod Stewart Tribute ft. Rick Larrimore on July 15; Hadden Sayers Texas Blues on July 21; DUWENDE on July 22; Night Fever Bee Gees Tribute on July 18; and Bob Seger Tribute (Hollywood Nights) on July 29. Performances in August continue with Brass Transit Chicago Tribute on August 4; Irish Festival on August 5; Boogie Wonderband on August 11; Reil Young Tribute to Neil Young on August 12; Simply The Best Tribute Act on August 16; Doobie Brothers Tribute - China Grove on August 18; U2 Tribute Show – ONE on August 19; Serpentine Fire - Earth Wind & Fire Tribute on August 25; Bruce Crowd favorite Sean Patrick McGraw returns to the Bemus Bay Pops August 30 as part of a stellar summer line up on the DFT Springsteen Tribute – Jersey on Communications Floating Stage. August 26; Pops Brewfest - Craft Beer Festival with Sean Patrick McGraw offering contemporary worship with a full Bemus Bay Pops symphony on August 30; and season finale Pam the Bemus Point United Methodist orchestra. Tillis & The Bemus Bay Pops on Church Pastor Dan McBride and the The Bemus Pay Pops will continue September 1. Praise Band. SE93 Chautauqua Lake with their free Lake Night at the Idol, organized by Media One Group All events featured on the DFT Movies presented by M&T Bank where movie fans of all ages can view radio station SE93, an event that draws Communications Floating Stage offer thousands to the DFT Communicapreferred seating. Reservations can quality family films under the stars tions Floating Stage, will begin again be purchased for a nominal fee at the from the shore or while anchored in this year on Monday, July 2. Italian Fisherman or on-line at www. the lake. The great list of movies this bemusbaypops.com. A complete The full schedule of performers for summer includes War Horse and the schedule of events can also be found the 2012 season includes Shania popular film Dolphin Tale. Praise on Twain Tribute on June 24; Elvis Jr. on at www.bemusbaypops.com. the Lake will also continue this year
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