PoconoMountainRegionalEMSAugust2016ENewsletter

AU G U S T 2 016

PMREMS newsletter

regionalresource

rightby you ntense medical training with an equally matched sense of compassion–components crucial to an effective emergency response professional. Balancing the need to prepare skilled EMT and Paramedics to handle critical situations with immediate action and care, while nurturing personal growth is a factor in which Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services takes great pride.

With an understanding that moving up the ladder may not be a goal for later, PMREMS encourages its staff to pursue supervisory positions not only within the organization, but throughout the community.

Sharing facts and tips to stay on top of EMS achievement, as well as area organizations eager to aid in the overall benefit of our community...we bring to you this month’s regionalresource–read on!

Stay connected

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

IN THIS EDITION 2

EMS Achieves Master Level Status

3

Curb Careless Driving

4

School RULES!

5

After EM...us

6

Advice from the Doctor

8

Sign Me Up

10

Keep in TOUCH

12

Smile...It’s a Date

EMS

Accolades Ever evolving through solving the needs of our area, Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services proudly announces that it has received Master Level status under the Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program (PVRP).

Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council reports,“74,350 children were transported via ambulance in Pennsylvania in 2012–that's one transport every 7 minutes”* Created by the EMS for Children program, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of EMS; the Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program was developed “To ensure EMS agencies are prepared for pediatric patients.”

Under this multi-phase recognition program, agencies who wish to establish standards to improve their capability to deliver pediatric care may volunteer to participate. An annual review process, plus future phase achievements ensures growth, fostering skills to master care for kids across the area.

As a Master Level provider, PMREMS has gone “above and beyond” meeting all standards established as part of Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Voluntary Recognition Program.

Though not required, particular pediatric devices can be found on PMREMS transport vehicles. Under the program, mandatory advanced pediatric-specific continuing education is required each year.

Look for the EMSC logo recognizing a “Commitment to Pennsylvania’s youth,” confident in PMREMS’ dedication to serving the region with unique quality care for all ages.

Fun at Rotary Club of the Pocono Mountains’ Concert in the Park photo by Sunshine VanGorder

*Source Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council 082316 www.paemsc.org

Keep Our Children Sa f e Curb Careless Driv ing Starting August 29– Pocono Mountain Scho ol District will have 13 6 buses on the road Each year, bus driver s report drivers faili ng to yield for stoppe re d signal lights flas d buses w ith hing & stop ar m exte nded > this is agains puts students at risk t the law an d .

According to our tran sportation departmen t the follow ing road highest volu me of in ways experience the fractions: Ro ute 115 near Blakeslee; Ro ut along Ro utes 196 an e 611 in Tannersvill d 940; as well as in e, Long Pond.

Local law officials ar e aware an d w ill be enforcing the law

A message fro m Poco no Mo untain Scho ol Dis trict Administration

Getting on the school bus •

Make sure children arrive 10 minutes prio Parents should NEVER try to catch a • When waiting for the bus, instruct c • Keep children away from the stree Make sure your child is mindful of • Children should stay 10 feet awa • Instruct children to wait until the

Behavior on the bus •

•

Please share with your child th Children should never put t • Keep aisles clear -- book • Children should wait for • Children may only brin

Getting off the schoo •

If your child must cro until they can tu

or to the arrival of the bus. a bus if their child misses the bus. Instead, please drive your child directly to school to ensure his/her safety. children to stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior. et or road as the school bus approaches f the Bus Danger Zone – the area around a bus where children are in most danger. ay from the bus and never go behind it. bus has stopped completely and the bus driver signals that it’s OK to approach the bus before stepping onto the roadway.

hat loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver. It is required that students respect those around them and the requests of the bus driver. their head, arms or hands out of the window, nor should they throw anything out of the windows ks or bags are tripping hazards and can block the exit in an emergency. r the bus to stop completely before getting up from their seat. ng items onto the bus that will fit in their laps. If large projects need to be brought to school, please arrange alternative transportation for your child.

ol bus

oss the street in front of a bus, make sure they know to walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, turn around and see the driver signal to them that it is OK to cross the street.

• Children should always make sure bus drivers can see them.

• When the driver signals, children may walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

Crossing the street

• Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing.

• They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across the street.

• If students’ vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles -- then stop, and look left-right-left again.

What can parents can do to help ensure children’s safety

• Reinforce safety awareness among children by reviewing bus safety procedures with them.

• Arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the arrival of the bus.

Please, NEVER, follow or try to flag down a bus if you are late in dropping off your child at the bus stop.

If your child gets ut of the car and tries to “catch” a bus, it puts them in grave danger.

• The best response would be to continue to drive your child directly to school.

• Continue to update your emergency contact information with the school that your child attends.

• Work with other Safety Team Members such as the school nurse for medical concerns, school bus driver for bus safety concerns, etc.

• When you see a school bus, be mindful of children getting on or off of the bus.

• When you meet a school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. • DO NOT MOVE until all the children are safely loaded or are 10 feet off of the road and have reached a place of safety.

RULES

AAss Pocono Pocono Mountain Mountain Regional RegionalEMS EMSprofesprofessionals expand their careers, some set sights

sionals expand their careers, some set sights on on supervisory supervisorystatus statuswithin withinthe theorganization; organization; others embrace the experience moving others embrace the experience movingon onwith with uniquely beneficial training enhancing their uniquely beneficial training enhancing theirlife’s life’s goals. goals.

“In “Inlaw lawenforcement enforcementI Ifeel feelI Ihave havethe theability abilitytoto offer offerall allthese thesetraits,” traits,”explains explainsOfficer OfficerMichael Michael Benner.

Benner.

Considering ConsideringPocono PoconoMountain MountainRegional RegionalEmerEmergency Medical Services, along with gency Medical Services, along withEMS EMSand and Paramedic Paramedicprofessionals, professionals,“family” “family”for fornearly nearly10 10 years, years,the the27 27year yearold oldnow nowapplies appliesemergency emergency medical medical training training totohis hisnew newrole rolewith withPocono Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.

Mountain Regional Police Department.

Since Sincestarting startingless lessthan thantwo twomonths monthsearlier, earlier,he he reports two incidents in which immediate reports two incidents in which immediatecare care was wasneeded neededalongside alongsidePMRP PMRPField FieldTraining TrainingOfOfficer Patrolman Keith Eichler.

As often first-onficer Patrolman Keith Eichler. As often first-onthe-scene, the-scene,the thepoliceman policemanassessed assessedthe thesituasituation while emergency medical responders tion while emergency medical responderswere were quickly quicklydispatched dispatchedand anden enroute. route.Understanding Understanding the thepatient patienturgency, urgency,he hesprung sprunginto intoaction actionuntil until EMS arrived.

EMS arrived.

"As "As EMS EMS professionals professionals we we continue continue training training throughout our entire career," saidPocono Pothroughout our entire career," said cono

Mountain MountainRegional RegionalEMS EMSOperations OperationsManager, Manager, Denise DeniseDoremus, Doremus,adding," adding,"Taking Takingthose thoseunique unique skills skillsand andusing usingthem themwithin withinother otherchapters chaptersand and career choices in our lives is an amazing asset." career choices in our lives is an amazing asset."

She Sheexplains, explains,"Knowing "Knowingone oneofofour ourformer formerEMTs EMTs like Michael [Benner] is capable of applying like Michael [Benner] is capable of applyingenenhanced hancedmedical medicaltraining trainingininsituations situationsand andpotenpotentially tiallysaving savingaalife lifeisisoutstanding outstandingnews newsthat thatI am I am extremely proud to hear." extremely proud to hear."

Serving Servingas ascombat combatmedic medicinin the the Army Army NationNational alGuard Guardunit unit out of Danville, Pennsylvania; out of Danville, Pennsylvania; BenBenner’s collective expertise involving critical ner’s collective expertise involving critical thinkthinking knowledge amidst a fast paced ening andand knowledge amidst a fast paced environvironment, propels this Blakeslee native to high ment, propels this Blakeslee native to high ranks ranks sights set continued on continued growth within with with sights set on growth within the the force. force.

For For those those uncertain uncertain which whichofoflife’s life’spaths pathstoto choose, choose,he heoffers offersthis,” this,”Do Doyour yourhomework homeworkthen then come in an check it out” whether medical or come in an check it out” whether medical or public publicsafety safetyisisininthe theforecast. forecast.

Concluding, Concluding, “[This “[This is]is]definitely definitelyanan achievable achievablegoal goalfor foranyone anyonetotodo” do”hehe thanks thankshis hisfamily, family,friends friendsand andfellow fellowemeremergency responders for their support. gency responders for their support.

EMUS

Q: & A

A friend of mine was recently in a car accident, and he hit his head on the window. He didn’t go to the doctor because at first he was feeling fine, but then he started to have severe pain. It seems like it’s hard to know when to seek medical care after an accident — suggestions?

Working in the Mattioli Emergency Department and Level III Trauma Center at Pocono Medical Center as an emergency physician, I see patients seeking treatment following car accidents during just about every shift I work, so you’ve come to he right place for an answer.

My best advice is, if someone has just been in a car accident and has any feeling or indication that something just isn’t “right” with any part of their body, or if a woman involved in an accident is pregnant, they should go to the nearest emergency room to be examined. Think of it this way: Car accidents are a serious shock to the system, and our bodies were not meant to sustain the amount of force that can result from a car accident. But, it’s not always that simple. Of course, following very serious accidents, people who are badly injured are usually taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital or to the one best equipped to deal with their injuries where they will receive the medical care they need. However, after less serious accidents, as in the case of your friend, there may be no immediate pain or noticeable discomfort. But, all of that changes several hours later when the pain starts to set in. One reason for the delay in noticing pain or discomfort is that immediately following an accident, a person’s body responds to pain and stress by producing endorphins — morphine-like hormones — that along with adrenaline mask the pain until a person’s mind and body have had time to recover from the stress of the accident.

And, even in accidents that don’t appear to have been serious, injuries can still be a concern and incredibly, can go unnoticed. For instance, during accidents involving side impact collisions a person can hit their head on the door frame or even the window without even realizing it happened. Similarly, a rear-impact collision can cause the head and neck to turn suddenly and forcefully. And of course, a blow to the head or injury to the upper spine can be extremely serious, especially since in many cases car accident victims have no time to brace themselves upon impact. The neck and back and the muscles supporting the spinal column are the areas of the body that are most often affected by a car accident with the most common injuries being related to whiplash, when a person’s head suddenly moves backward and then forward; muscle and ligament strains and sprains; and disc injuries. So, after an accident, a person should be on the lookout for any stiffness or numbness in the neck or back, impairment in range of motion, and of course any feelings of numbness or pain. And, car accidents can also result in other forms of soft tissue injuries, headaches and other injuries with no visible symptoms.

So, in my professional opinion, if you feel even the slightest pain or discomfort after a car accident or you just feel somehow "not right,” the best course of action is to immediately go to the doctor that day, immediate care center, or hospital and get yourself checked out. This not only ensures your wellbeing, which is certainly the most important reason for a person in a car accident to visit a healthcare professional.

Dr. Colleen Kennedy, M.D. Associate Medical Director of Emergency Services

EMS Powered By

2016 SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM

MEMBERSHIP MAKES A DIffERENCE

Name PocoNo Physical address

mailiNg address

PhoNe email lisT Family memBers liViNg iN yoUr hoUsehold

Place aN ‘x’ where yoU’re From

Barrett Township

Price Township (up to Neola Road)

Coolbaugh Township

Tobyhanna Township

Mount Pocono Borough

Tunkhannock Township

Paradise Township

Other

addiTioNal TAx DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS are aPPreciaTed Tell Us how mUch yoU’d like To Pledge

$

I apply for membership in the Subscription Program of PMREMS. I agree to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Program described above. I verify that I am not a Medicaid beneficiary. I request that payment of authorized Medicare or any other insurance benefits be made on my behalf to PMREMS for any ambulance services provided to me by PMREMS now, in the past, or in the future. I understand that I am financially responsible for the services and supplies provided to me by PMREMS, regardless of my insurance coverage, and in some cases, may be responsible for an amount in addition to that which was paid by my insurance. I agree to immediately remit to PMREMS any payments that I receive directly from my insurance or any source whatsoever for the services provided to me and I assign all rights to such payments to PMREMS. I authorize PMREMS to appeal payment denials or other adverse decisions on my behalf without further authorization. I authorize and direct any holder of medical information or other relevant documentation about me to release such information to PMREMS, its billing agents, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and/or any other payers or insurers, and their respective agents or contractors, as may be necessary to determine these or other benefits payable for any services provided to me by PMREMS, now, in the past, or in the future. A copy of this form is as valid as an original.

By signing, I acknowledge that I have received PMREMS’s Notice of Privacy Practices. I am also acknowledging that I understand the text regarding the subscription program

PRIMARY SUBSCRIBER SIGN HERE

COMPLETE - SAVE - SEND Via email: INfO@PMREMS.ORG TheN PRINT, SIGN & MAIL IN yoUr coPy oF yoUr Form wiTh PaymeNT To K YOU THAN ur r fo yo

N IBUTIO CONTR

POCONO MOUNTAIN REGIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 135 Tegawitha road, Tobyhanna, Pa 18466 Pmrems.org 570.839.8485

let’s

keep

touch in

CLICK HE

ERE

FOR OUR

sharing a smile...

at Rotary Club of the Pocono Mountains Concert in the Park

IT’S a D Se ptem ATE ber Mov

9t h i e Ni g h t i n Tobyha t he Par n n a T ownshi k Bl a n c h Price P p ar k Se p t e m Wel l ne ber 17t h Nort ha ss Festival m 9:00a mpton Col lege -1:00 p m

interested in becoming a newsletter sponsor? let us know...

Headquarters135 Tegawitha Road, Tobyhanna, PA 18466 WebPMREMS.org

Phone570.839.8485

EMAILINFO@PMREMS.ORG