PMREMS January 2019 Regional Resources Newsletter

JA N UA RY 2 019

PMREMS newsletter

regionalresource

SeasonalPreparation L

ooking into the start of a New Year with winter weather, stats and a view of opportunities to assist; Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services shares Regional Resource insight.

From understanding area need with a 10% increase in calls last year; to reviewing snowfall precautions and points from medical professionals on the how and why injuries occur... sharing=preparing.

Stay connected

for videos, photos and up to the minute news facebook.com/ PoconoMountainRegionalEmergencyMedicalSer vices

IN THIS EDITION 2

Calls Up in 2018 Sharing stat facts

3

The More You Snow Hazards to Avoid

4

Plan Before Play Preparation Points

5

LVHN: Ask the Doctor Spinal Injury Insight

6

On the Horizon 2019 Opportunities

help

sp re

p a

6935 CALLS

IN 2018 *total includes calls to surrounding areas

Barrett 492

Coolbaugh 2936

Tunkhannock 323

for

ahead to planning for the future.

From continuing grant strategies; to creating ways to fund raise that also serve a beneficial purpose to the community, PMREMS remains on top addressing community needs.

Tobyhanna 1629

responDed to

re

An increasing call volume of 6,935 responses across a 250 square mile emergency response region in 2018 keeps attention on positive growth reasons for Pocono Mountain Regional EMS. Sharing a few stats on where PMREMS was at illustrates the intensity of area needs as we look

Mt Pocono 655

Paradise 500

Price 109

the more you

Snow

Severe snowstorms, even mild flurries, bring about concern over health hazards. Slip-and-falls, exposure to the elements, even shoveling statistically share a fair amount of risk of serious injuries, even death.

Nationwide, snow shoveling is responsible for thousands of injuries, and as many as, 100 deaths each year. While most people won't have a problem, shoveling snow can put some at risk of a heart attack. Sudden exertion, like moving pounds of snow after being inactive for several months, can put tremendous strain on the heart. Even pushing a heavy snow blower can also cause harm.

Add in the chill factor. Cold weather can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrict arteries; which decreases blood supply. Individuals over the age of 40 or who are relatively inactive should be particularly careful though this is true in healthy people too.

National Safety Council recommends the following to shovel safely: Do not shovel after eating or while smoking Take it slow & stretch out before you begin Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter Push the snow rather than lifting it If you lift snow, use a small or only partially full shovel Lift with your legs, not your back Do not work to the point of exhaustion Know the signs of a heart attack, stop immediately & call 911 if you're experiencing any as every minute counts

Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services shares facts like these from professionals; though you should always consult your physician for advice before heading out in the ice.

before

Y A L P

Emergency responders and healthcare professionals far and wide would side with the golden rule–plan before you play. Its not only a way to have a good time, it helps with injury prevention and ensures your well being, along with the safety of those around you.

With this in mind, before you head out for winter sport recreation or even a snow clearing situation, be sure to follow a few simple rules:

Be Sure To Let Others Know Your Plans ...these include: where, when & what you’ll be doing

Bring A Cell Phone Should An Emergency Arise ...if unable to carry a mobile device, stay in sight of others

Stick To The Rules

...they are in place for a reason - your own safety -plus- the safety of others

a message from

Have something to share? This is where you want to be...

RegionalResources is where Healthcare Professionals Can Communicate Facts for the Community Email info.pmrems@gmail.com & We’ll Provide Details How and Welcome You Aboard!

Ask the Doctor Carson Wentz’ Spinal Injury

Q

My husband and I are die-hard Eagles fans. We are still curious about Carson Wentz’ back injury.

Can you provide any insight?

A: Dr. Luis A. Cervantes First, let me congratulate you on your optimism. If we make it to the big game again, the path will have been a little different than last year’s but thrilling nonetheless.

What I understand about Carson Wentz’ compression fracture in his spine depends much on what the team’s official comment has been. And that hasn’t been much.

A stress fracture to the spine – and its recovery period – depends a lot on where it is. The vertebrae has many pieces and parts.

There are 33 bodies to it: there are pedicles, the projections that form the vertebral arch and protect the spinal cord; transverse process; spinal process; lamina.

We have been told there is a stress fracture, but not to what part of Wentz’ vertebrae, nor to what extent the fracture is, nor how serious it is. Is it the kind of fracture that rest and physical therapy can take care of? Is tin the kind of fracture that needs some intervention?

We don’t know. But in my estimation there are three things it could likely be: 1. A compression fracture resulting from axial loading on the spine. Axial load injuries come from force directed through the top of the head through the spine, force directed through the top of the head and through the spine, which is a danger in a collision sport like football 2. A transverse process fracture, which takes place in the lower spine, where Wentz may have gotten hit with a helmet or pushed by someone 3. A spinous process fracture, which is a compromise of the bones supporting the muscles of the back. These could make Wentz susceptible to pain while moving or twisting, especially as he was trying to throw So what does Wentz really have? I don’t know. Why was he kept from playing? I guess he complained of pain. They saw something there. They got an MRI and determined that the best course was to let him sit out for a while and see how he does. My understanding would be that that’s why he was removed from play.

Fortunately, if it’s an injury such as a small compression fracture, the pain starts getting better in three weeks. Wentz should be substantially better in six weeks and symptom-free by 12 weeks.

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Luis Cervantes is a neurosurgeon at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono.

He received his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish.

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