The Dispatch: Summer 2022 Vol.1 No.2 by UTMB Health

Heart attack survivor thanks medics, hospital staff for saving his life CREATED BY FEATURE SPOTLIGHT:

AN EMERGENCY SERVICES NEWSLETTER

Pictured: Galveston Area Ambulance Authority won a state award in May. See more on page 07 SPOTLIGHT:

Strength conditioningandfor the EMS athlete Schedule a strength and conditioning in-service for your crew. Page 04 Tactical medics aid SWAT teams Learn what candidates need. Page 10 Jehle eyes horizon for training future emergency doctors Read about this doctor, scholar and first responder. Page 12 Earn free CE credits for trauma at UTMB Page 15 SEE MORE INSIDE: SUMMER 2022 VOL. 1, NO. 2 PARTNER

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Pictured: The League City EMS crew that saved Cassidy’s life reunited with him in June at the UTMB Clear Lake Campus Hospital. From left are Alexandria Todd, Jason Couvillon, Tristan Couvillon, Langdon Cassidy, Shawn Doyle and Kevin Frieze.

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Langdon Cassidy woke up on Mother’s Day, got dressed, went to church and then had breakfast. He remembers that it had been a good day with no signs of the emergency he was about to face. Hours after his post-church meal, League City EMS responded to Langdon’s home where they found his wife Jessica Cassidy performing CPR on him. “I thought he was choking at first,” she said. Turns out that Langdon, 58, was having a heart attack and that 100 percent of one of his arteries was blocked. CPR was in progress as the League City EMS brought him to the UTMB Clear Lake Campus Hospital, and Cassidy obtained a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) prior to arriving at the hospital. Once he got there, he was intubated then quickly taken to the cath lab. Despite having complete blockage of his left anterior descending artery (LAD), Cassidy recovered. On the Friday before Father’s Day, Langdon returned to the emergency room at the Clear Lake hospital to thank the medics, nurses, technicians and doctors who saved his life. He wrote personal letters to many of them, and he brought cookies, fruit and cheese for them to enjoy. “Thank you,” he said many times over. It was a special event because EMS crews don’t always know the outcomes for patients they take to the ER. “Most of the time, unless the hospital contacts us, we don’t know what

CLEAR LAKE / LEAGUE CITY

Pictured: Langdon Cassidy (left) shaking hands with Shawn Doyle, a paramedic and team leader with League City EMS. happened,” said Shawn Doyle, a paramedic with the League City Fire Department. “To find out what happened to him was phenomenal. “It’s very unusual to have CPR performed, then a defibrillator, and then he woke up,” Doyle said. “It’s very rare.”

Heart attack survivor thanks medics, hospital staff for saving his life

Cassidy hugged a lot of people at the June 17 reunion. He teared up as he expressed gratitude and even joked about what happened. Pointing to his chest where a mechanical compression device left a circular mark, he declared “I’m Ironman, now.” Just like the medics and the nurses, Cassidy also wanted to understand what happened and who saved him.

“I want to fill in the blanks,” Cassidy said. His memory of what happened to him on Mother’s Day was unclear.

Pictured: UTMB Clear Lake Hospital staff pose with Cassidy and the League City EMS crew.

• applying the six aspects of acute stroke care to hospitalized patients.

For information or to register for the free course, contact Michelle Vu at mlvu@utmb.edu CE Credit?

Solution

• communicating t-PA contraindications and know how and when to administer t-PA to acute ischemic stroke patients.

THE DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY SERVICES NEWSLETTER CREATED BY UTMB HEALTH | 03

• understanding pre-hospital protocol.

LAKE / LEAGUE CITY CONTINUING

AHRCES

“EMS worked on me for 47 minutes at the house until they got me to the point where I could be transported to the hospital,” Cassidy said. “I was ‘juiced’ twice with 300 joules because I was flatlining,” he said. “I was told this was a miracle, and from EMS to the nurses to the doctors to the financial person who made sure our insurance went through the right way—everybody has been awesome.” Cassidy caught up with the nurses who cared for him and with Dr. Nathanael Campbell, who was working in the emergency room when Cassidy arrived. Everyone asked how he was feeling. “I don’t walk around scared,” Cassidy said. “I thank God and the team here that put me back together.”

Heat Exhaustion Heat FoodDrowningSunburnDehydrationStrokePoisoning Bug Bite Poison Ivy Car SportsSwimmingAllergiesAccidentInjuryInjury Bike Accident Malaria Word Search Summer Emergencies W

. Need

• performing a focused evaluation.

• recognizing the five main stroke syndromes.

UTMB Health offers a free Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS) course to its EMS partners. This is an 8-hour stroke continuing education unit for all paramedics and emergency medical technicians. This hands-on, simulation-based provider course offers caregivers tools to manage the acute stroke patient. This includes the MEND exam, an easy-to-learn and easy- to-use tool that enhances communication among EMS personnel, nurses and physicians. EMS agencies and hospitals across the United States use the ASLS curriculum. The course covers:

–Tyler Morrison, exercise physiologist, UTMB’s ServicesRehabilitationDepartment.

05 DO I SPEND 30 MINUTES OUTSIDE THAT’S NOT WORK-RELATED?

02 AM I STRETCHING? DO I GET IN 10,000 STEPS A DAY? DO I GET UP EVERY 30 MINUTES TO MOVE?

To take care of others, EMS providers must take good care of themselves. EMS personnel perform their duties in a variety of challenging environments and must be fully prepared to handle ongoing physical and mental demands for the duration of each call.

STRENGTH

Several organizations,professionalincluding the National Strength and Conditional Association (NSCA), use the term “tactical athlete” to describe military, law enforcement and other firstresponder professionals whose regular job duties demand a high level of rigorous physical activity. And like any athlete, medics need to practice and prepare for action. yourself: the EMS athlete AND

“It’s about the ability to do your job,” said Greg McGowen, the rehabilitation services manager at UTMB Health. “Exercise is a science for a reason.”

“The challenges of long and variable shifts, back-to-back calls, stressful work environments and sleep deprivation all influence unhealthy behaviors,” said Tyler Morrison, an exercise physiologist in UTMB’s Rehabilitation Services Department. This physically demanding work often results in injury patterns that need prevention and attention. And medics value being part of a team, so being able to get back to work soon is important. You don’t want to let your team down.

for

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06 DO I SLEEP 7 TO 8 HOURS AT NIGHT?

Ask

Stamina, endurance and flexibility contribute to doing your job well. And it comes from conditioning based on scientific research. AM I DRINKING ENOUGH WATER TO STAY HYDRATED?

By improving physical strength and conditioning, the medic can perform better at work and reduce the likelihood of work-related injuries.

“Doing your job should not cause pain.”

LIFESTYLE

for overallimprovingwell-beingPhysicalwellness

• Get plenty of rest.

UTMB’s Tyler Morrison is passionate about sports science and regularly conducts in-service training sessions on strength and conditioning and injury

• Eat more fruits and vegetables.

• Focus on breathing.conscious

• Exercise regularly.

• Protect against heat-related illnesses.

• Drink sensibly. Reduce alcohol consumption.

• Proper nutrition is essential for overall good health.

Ifprevention.youareinterested in scheduling a strength and conditioning in-service for your crew that is specifically designed to give personal and detailed physical therapy tips for those who sit long hours in a cramped ambulance, do heavy lifting and remain constantly ready to respond to the next emergency, contact Richard Arocho, a UTMB liaison who works closely with our community partners. Contact Arocho at riarocho@utmb.edu or (281) 939-6822

Sometimes, EMTs and paramedics tell Morrison they don’t have time to slow down when they are in the field in the middle of a response. The exercise physiologist would argue that they do.

• Spend time with friends and family.

• Seek medical treatment when needed. Do not ignore pain.

• Focus on strength and conditioning exercises.

• Know the signs and symptoms of good and bad stressors.

• Seek professional help, if needed. Crucial Tips

• Develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage or minimize stress.

“You can take two or three extra seconds to make sure your body is in a good position,” Morrison said. Back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and hip pain is not normal just because everyone else has it. “You’ve got a lot of guys who’ve been on the job for years with Schedule a strength yourin-serviceconditioning&forcrew

• Take time to heal when injured. wellnessNutritional

low back pain,” Morrison said. “They think that’s the way it is. It’s not. Things like this can be Toprevented.”improveconditioning for medics, Morrison structures workouts in micro doses. Plenty of sleep and a decent diet are also part of a recovery plan for first responders. Morrison has known some medics who had to bow out of the career field because of their injuries, and that shouldn’t be the case. “Doing your job should not cause pain,” he said.

• Eat a healthy well-balanced diet.

• Do not skip meals.

CONDITIONING

• Drink plenty of water. Mental wellnessemotionaland

LIFESTYLE THE DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY SERVICES NEWSLETTER CREATED BY UTMB HEALTH | 05

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Learn how stress affects you.

Q A 06 | THE DISPATCH SUMMER 2022 VOL.1, NO. 2 030201 060504AA AAAA

Tell us about a recent EMS-related situation that was a success. The freeze (in February 2021) was a big test of EMS in the area, and I think it showed the true strength and resolve of the local EMS agencies. Amy Weber of the Galveston Area Ambulance Authority showed great leadership and dedication to the community and her staff. She worked hand-in-hand with the local hospitals to arrange transport and care for all the urgent and emergent patients, especially the people who were dependent on home oxygen or dialysis.

6 questions with Dr. Kent Harkey, Assistant Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at UTMB’s League City Campus

How do you get through a tough shift? Usually with perseverance and gallows humor. Laughter with coworkers who are in the same situation as you has been a key factor in getting through tough times. What do you do to relax when you are not at work? I spend time with my wife, two young sons and my dog. I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons and making new friends both locally and internationally through that hobby. I like to spend time at the many breweries that Houston and the surrounding area have to offer.

Why did you choose emergency medicine? In high school and college, I was an EMT-Basic and firefighter after spending time with my brother-in-law who was a firefighter and EMT. I joined the local volunteer fire department, and it sparked a passion in medicine and acute care. I always hated dropping patients off and not knowing what happened or how to fix them, so I decided to go to medical school to be on the other side of the transaction.

Pictured: Dr. Kent Harkey poses with Xiao Liwu, a panda who lives at a conservancy in China. “My wife is from China,” Dr. Harkey said. “Pre-COVID, we used to go back one to two times a year and see a different part of the country each visit. “We went to Chengdu in the south of China and volunteered for a day at a panda conservancy. We fed them, cleaned their habitats and freeroam areas, and at the end of the day got to take pictures with them while they ate sugar cane as a treat.”

What is your favorite recipe? I love a good scramble. My current favorite is egg whites, chopped onions and green peppers, with some light pepper and salt, and some Siracha sauce on top.

LEAGUE CITY

What’s something you want people to know about you? I will teach anyone, anywhere, anytime, and I love to learn new things. You never stop being a student, no matter your degree or how many years you have worked. When you think you know everything, it’s time to retire.

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Pictured: Galveston Area Ambulance Authority won the EMS for Children Crew of the Year Award in May.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges in providing pediatric care. GAAA worked with the Galveston County Health District to put practices in place that created better patient outcomes and continuity of care when partnering with hospitals and other facilities.

As Starkey and Williams trained to be PECCs, they shared their knowledge with fellow crew members. As a result, GAAA achieved 100 percent quality assurance and quality improvement on every pediatric patient, provided direct feedback to GAAA crew members and made evidence-based changes to clinical practice guidelines.

Pictured from left are Ian Davis, GAAA operations manager; Margaret Williams, GAAA paramedic; Sam Vance, Texas EMS for Children State Partnership program manager; and Brad Starkey, GAAA clinical compliance officer. medics bring home the 2022 Texas EMS Children Crew of the Year award

In May, the partnership recognized Starkey and Williams for their exceptional efforts in developing a more robust pediatric care program at GAAA aimed at improving emergency care for its youngest patients.

“Winning this award is unexpected, but very appreciated,” Starkey said. “I want to thank the field crew for being so great and caring for our pediatric patients,” Williams said. “Brad and I would not have received this award without their ability to care for our county’s pediatric patients. To our field crew, you guys are absolutely resilient, and we are proud to work beside you all.”

GAAA provides services to pediatric patients ranging from specialty care and emergency evacuations to a high volume of drownings due to the geographical region it serves.

The pediatric program is also set up to recognize real-time needs to increase quality of medical care to patients. Starkey said the next goal is to create a seamless transition in patient care between GAAA and local emergency departments. “We want to create an environment where we can maximize patient care and give our pediatric patients the best care and experience on what may be a very bad day for them,” Starkey said.

“Our service has a high volume of pediatric patients,” Starkey said. “We all know how to treat children, of course. However, working with children in an emergency is not only stressful for the child, but also stressful for the health care workers taking care of them. Being a PECC allows us to better understand the needs and to work with our community partners to create better awareness and training with each other that benefits the patient.”

GALVESTON

Galveston Area Ambulance Authority (GAAA) Clinical Compliance Officer Bradley Starkey and Margaret Williams, who oversees GAAA quality assurance, won the EMS for Children Crew of the Year Award from the Texas EMS for Children State Partnership.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Brad and Maggie,” said GAAA EMS Director Amy Weber. “They recognized a need and stepped up to better serve our team and community. We will continue to expand our pediatric program and plan on providing education to not only our EMS staff, but to the communities in Galveston County. Evidencebased medicine is critical to quality of life, and we are passionate about providing that to the communities we serve.”

Pictured: Galveston Area Ambulance Authority crew.

GAAA responds to more than 1,000 calls a year involving pediatric patients. As pediatric-related call volume increased at GAAA, Starkey and Williams decided to enroll in an eight-month Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) program to improve their skills and learn how to build a more robust pediatric program.

EVENTS 08 | THE DISPATCH SUMMER 2022 VOL.1, NO. 2 EMS Week 2022 UTMB celebrated EMS Week May 15-21, but every day we see so many dedicated EMS partners in the field and in our ambulance bays. You are all amazing first responders who save lives. We value your hard work and long hours. We know the difference you make in our patients’ lives and are thankful to each and every one of you.

EVENTS THE DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY SERVICES NEWSLETTER CREATED BY UTMB HEALTH | 09

havetypicallymedicsTacticalthese

Tactical medics aid SWAT teams

LOOKING FORWARD

SWAT teams operating in cordoned-off crime scenes need medics available in case an officer gets hurt or a victim needs help. Whether the crime scene involves a hostage situation or an armed gunman with mass casualties, medical care might be needed. But access to an active tactical scene isn’t open to just anybody. One solution to getting medics inside the yellow tape is to create specific emergency medicine positions for these scenarios, such as a tactical medic to support the SWAT team. If all goes as planned, Galveston might be getting a few tactical medics soon thanks to the efforts of Dr. Kent Harkey, assistant medical director of Emergency Medicine at the UTMB League City Campus and medical director of Galveston Area Ambulance Authority.

If the city of Galveston approves a tactical medic policy, a training program would move forward with staffing, training and equipment, Harkey said.

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certifications: 01 Basic SWAT Medic Certification 02 Certified EMT trained to the: National Association of Emergency Medical (NAEMT)TechniciansTactical Casualty Combat Care (TCCC) standard OR Tactical CasualtyEmergencyCare(TECC) standard

Most of the future tactical medics will be medics first and possibly cross-train as law enforcement personnel.

“We are requiring candidates to be currently certified EMTs trained to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Tactical Casualty Combat Care (TCCC) or Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) standard, as well as have received a Basic SWAT Medic certification,” Harkey said. He recommends that candidates get the Tactical Paramedic or Tactical

Tactical medics provide preventative urgent and emergent medical care during high-risk, extended duration and mission-driven law enforcement special operations. These medics planned for the island would be members of the Galveston Fire Department operating under the protocol authority of the medical director and the first responder organization license that the Galveston Area Ambulance Authority holds from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The fire department is already part of the Galveston Area Ambulance Authority. “My goal is to have at least two members on every shift, and every member of the Fire Marshal’s Office certified,” Harkey said. “This would give us 10 personnel and allow for operational redundancy, normal shift rotations and scheduled time off.”

“There is no single standard for tactical medicine in the law enforcement environment,” Harkey said. “The agencies that are ‘doing it right’ have fully integrated medical sections involved in the planning, training and execution of their special operations. We hope to have the Galveston Fire Department in the same ranks and look forward to working with UTMB closely as the program evolves.”

THE DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY SERVICES NEWSLETTER CREATED BY UTMB HEALTH | 11 LOOKING FORWARD

The National Tactical Officers Association states that “the ability of Tactical Medic providers to develop medical threat assessments, render immediate medical care in austere environments, and provide logistical support will further the health and safety of law enforcement personnel and reduce the incidences of injury, illness, disability and death associated with training and tactical operations.”

At least three agencies in Texas have tactical medics, including the Bryan Fire Department, Killeen Fire Department and the Fort Worth Police Department.

–Dr. Kent Harkey, assistant medical director of Emergency Medicine at the UTMB League City Campus and medical director of Galveston Ambulance Authority

Pictured: EMTs with the Galveston Fire Department could soon include tactical medics who have dual certification as medics and law enforcement officers. credentialing organization.

Responder certification from the International Board of Specialty Certification as an additional standard because it provides third-party validation in the form of a recognized, tested certification from a professional “The agencies that are ‘doing it right’ have fully integrated medical sections involved in the planning, training and execution of their special operations.”

Four UTMB emergency doctors shared their expertise with Webster Fire Department and EMS medics during a lecture series day in February. Each doctor shared an hour-long presentation. In the morning, Dr. Marie Dawlett spoke about pediatric emergencies, and Dr. Dispu Patel talked about heart attacks. After lunch, Dr. Hoang Pham addressed trauma, and Dr. Hashem Shaltoni discussed stroke. During lunch, UTMB staff answered questions. In June, Drs. Dawlett, Patel and Pham spoke to Santa Fe EMS. Joining them was Dr. Arun Chhabra, who discussed stroke.

You’re invited to learn from doctors, eat lunch, ask us hard questions

UTMB Health offers this type of lecture series and similar lunch-and-learn events to area EMS providers. To arrange a similar educational opportunity for medics at your organization, contact Richard Arocho at (281) 939-6822

“They could respond to accidents with multiple injuries, SWAT responses or to chemical spills,” said Jehle, who created a similar hands-on training program when he was at the University of Buffalo in New York. “They can help supplement the care provided by EMS crews.”

While the Emergency Medical (EM) Residency Program is still awaiting approval at UTMB, Jehle’s intent is to help educate residents of all experience levels, not just those in the emergency medicine residency program and he said he can see lots of training opportunities for the EMS community in the future. In fact, one of the faculty doctors in his department is a former paramedic who completed an EMS Fellowship and can help teach continuing education classes.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Teaching medical students and residents to communicate—listen and talk—with EMS crews will streamline care and lead to smoother interactions. The doctors learn a lot from experienced medics, and the medics learn a lot from the physician staff. “It will be a win-win,” Jehle said.

UTMB expert physicians speak to EMS agencies regularly on emergency medicine topics

LOOKING FORWARD 12 | THE DISPATCH SUMMER 2022 VOL.1, NO. 2

Dr. Dietrich Jehle, chair of UTMB Department of Emergency Medicine, expects future emergency medical residents in his department to respond to emergencies in the field by working shifts with EMS agencies, riding with crews, meeting them in ambulance bays and reviewing cases with them.

In addition to giving residents opportunities to work in the field with EMS crews, Jehle’s already formulating how UTMB might pursue a partnership that could take his students and residents to disaster emergencies elsewhere. “Texas A&M Galveston has a disaster-response ship,” Jehle said. “It has multiple procedure rooms. If there were a hurricane or earthquake in the region, it could assist in the response.”

Jehle eyes emergency

–Dr.bycaresupplementhelptheprovidedEMScrews.”DietrichJehle, chair of UTMB Department of Emergency Medicine

Pictured: Dr. Dietrich Jehle wants opportunities for medical school students and emergency medicine residents to work with EMS crews.

Jehle and an iron worker smashed out multiple windows as the doors could not be opened. They stopped a passing school bus and borrowed the fire extinguisher from the bus. A third bystander tried to keep the engine fire under control with the fire extinguisher. They pulled out one boy and the driver.

horizon for training future physicians in the field

“By the time rescue crews arrived, Jehle had triaged the victims,” the newspaper reported. His knowledgeable communication at that accident scene is something he wants prospective emergency doctors to master.

“They can

The car filled with smoke, but Jehle and the iron worker dove in to pull out the other boy, who was pinned in the car and was unconscious. The second boy would later die, but the family thanked Jehle and the iron worker for risking their own safety to pull the boys out of the vehicle.

THE DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY SERVICES NEWSLETTER CREATED BY UTMB HEALTH | 13 LOOKING FORWARD

In 2009, Jehle was on his way to work at a Buffalo Bills game when a six-car pile-up on a highway in New York blocked traffic. The Buffalo News reported what happened next. Jehle, who is an expert in carcrash injuries, pulled over and ran to the closest car. It was on fire with an elderly injured driver and two little boys in the back seat.

For 27 years, Jehle had a side gig with the NFL as the Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Buffalo Bills.

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Why did you choose emergency medicine? I love the variety, flexibility and challenge. There is never a dull moment. It can be an environment of chaos filled with moments of greatness and heartbreaking sadness and many shades of grey. I rarely get through a day without learning something new. You truly become a “jack of all trades” in the ER. Kicking it up a notch—I am also a pediatric ER nurse. This skill set requires you to be able to take care of and perform procedures on the tiniest of patients, who usually don’t understand what’s going on, while comfortingsimultaneouslyandeducating their caregivers. I love kids and how resilient they are. Is it more difficult? Yes! But is it more rewarding? Absolutely! I juggle the difficulty with the fun. I get the pleasure of playing peek-a-boo, blowing bubbles, giving mommy or daddy an “exam” before the child so it’s not so scary, and occasionally singing and dancing (when I hope nobody is looking). It’s all worth it when I get a big smile from a baby or a belly laugh out of a toddler when they are feeling better. How do you get through a tough shift? Any day can become a tough day at any moment. I believe that the key to getting through it is trying to stay calm. You still have the same amount of work to do whether you panic or you remain calm. I’m not saying that I have never been overwhelmed and wanted to cry, but you learn when to ask for help. In the ER, you have an amazing family of coworkers who know the value of teamwork, whether they drop everything and run a code together or just teach you a protocol that you are unfamiliar with. (Did I mention that I learn something new every day?) Teamwork is a must. 6 questions with Rachel Bradshaw, pediatric ER nurse at UTMB Clear Lake Campus Hospital Q A

CLEAR LAKE

How do you relax away from work? Relaxing is truly being able to leave work at the door when I come home. When I am home, I’m mom. I will get a massage on occasion, I enjoy cooking, and I love cheering on the sidelines when my kids are playing. Any medics you admire? I would just like to give a shout out to all the EMS teams for doing an amazing job! Your job is a critical first piece of the puzzle for our patients’ care as a whole. Thank you! And an extra shout out to all the EMTs and paramedics who bring in the dreaded “chubby toddler” with an IV placed in the back of a moving ambulance. You rock! What’s your favorite recipe? My scratch-made spaghetti and meatballs or Rachael Ray’s smoky shepherd’s pie, either one both paired with a large glass of Cabernet. What do you want people to know? I have been a pediatric ER nurse my entire career. I started at Texas Children’s Hospital ER where I worked for 12 years. I then moved to UTMB Clear Lake and have worked in its pediatric ER for almost two years now. I am a mom of three busy kids ranging from 7 to 12 years old. My husband is a League City Police officer. We both proudly serve our community and also enjoy just being normal busy parents.

These free events include presentations on various trauma topics with specific-case scenarios. Spinal cord trauma and injuries was covered in May. In March, the topic was burns. Trauma Services distributes a feedback form after every meeting to get suggestions from the audience for topics medics want covered. “We encourage active participation,” said April Vaughan, nursing program manager for Trauma Services.

“We have the ability, training and equipment to stabilize a patient for transfer,” said Andrea Anderson, the Trauma Program manager at UTMB Angleton Danbury Campus. Anderson oversees the hospital’s trauma protocols, which are the same at all UTMB Health

EMS time-outs improve patient care, outcomes

• I: Injuries or inspections

THE DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY SERVICES NEWSLETTER CREATED BY UTMB HEALTH | 15 CONTINUING EDUCATION

ANGLETON DANBURY

The bimonthly meetings are scheduled on Sept. 16 and Nov. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. To learn more, email April Vaughan at asvaugha@utmb.edu

When an ambulance rolls up to the emergency department at the UTMB Angleton Danbury Campus, nurses and physicians take time out to listen to medics. “It’s a formalized pause when these guys show up,” said Dr. Phillip Singer, trauma medical director and emergency medical director at the Angleton Danbury Campus. “We give them 30 seconds of clarity. There’s no commotion, and we are not distracted.”

The EMS time-out process allows medics to relay key information to the hospital staff. EMS crews use the acronym MIST to relay information in those precious 30 seconds: • M: Mechanism of injury or medical complaint

UTMB Health Trauma Services holds Pre-hospital Performance Improvement and Patient Safety (PIPs) meetings every other month for EMS and other pre-hospital medical providers.

Medics can receive continuing education credits for attending PIPs meetings, which are still virtual, but organizers are considering a return to in-person gatherings soon.

Free CE credits for trauma at UTMB

• S: Vital signs • T: Treatment and transfer of care signature

Pictured: Dr. Phillip Singer

The 30-second briefing begins when the receiving nurse calls “EMS time out” as an ambulance arrives with a patient. The nurse documents the report, and the patient is moved to a gurney. Then, EMS paperwork is signed for the transfer of the patient. The emergency department at Angleton Danbury is undergoing a major expansion and renovation. Currently, the department features 11 beds with four trauma bays. In addition, the hospital is a Level IV trauma center that can provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transferring patients to a higherlevel trauma center if needed.

. Send her any questions, updates, photos and requests. Ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Word Search Answers Summer Emergencies W O AHRCES D Puzzle located on pageTell03 us why! We want to know all about you. We want your EMS news and photos, stories from the field and anything else you want to share. THE DISPATCH About ?

with EMS partners improves communication and strengthens relationships. Singer plans to increase traumarelated educational opportunities for EMS crews. “We provide point-of-care training and a trauma review process,” Singer said. He and his staff provide feedback on specific cases and let medics know the patient’s outcome.

• Do you have photos of your crews training, cleaning or just having fun? us some. Valerie Wells at (409) 266-1674 or vlwells@utmb.edu

deliveries

• Do you know a hard-working crew with incredible camaraderie? Who are they?

This open line of communication has helped the Angleton Danbury hospital build a strong relationship with Chief Lucille Maes of the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps. “Chief Maes is a longstanding figure in the community,” Singer said. AAEMC brings in a lot of patients to UTMB and transfers many patients for UTMB. “We depend on them heavily.” Knowing their assessment from the field can help the hospital treat the patient, Singer invites EMS crews to ask questions as soon as they pop up. “Call in from the field and get the guidance,” he said.

“We’re improving processes that directly affect patient care by streamlining order sets,” Singer Collaboratingsaid.

Contact

• Do you know an EMT with an impressive experience, an engaging personality or a collection of good jokes?

Send

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The Dispatch is a publication of UTMB Health, and is produced by UTMB’s Office of Marketing and Communications quarterly for our EMS partners. The purpose of this publication is to celebrate the incredible work of the EMS agencies in our communities while sharing news about the services available at UTMB’s Emergency Rooms. This newsletter is focused on telling your stories, answering your questions and sharing your successes. Send us your questions, your story ideas, your photos or any EMS-related news you’d like to brag about to Valerie Wells at vlwells@utmb.edu to be on the cover of an upcoming issue

• Do you have anything to brag about? us updates about awards, promotions, recent successes and baby on the job.

System emergency rooms from Level III at the Clear Lake and League City campuses to the comprehensive Level I trauma care on the Galveston Campus. Anderson keeps EMS partners updated on the latest trauma protocols, which are the same at each UTMB trauma center. She and other trauma program managers in the health system print these protocols on “badge buddies” for medics in the field. “They know we are capable, and that we are able to take care of trauma patients,” Anderson said. “We can receive all patients, regardless of their injuries,” Singer said. Working together with first responders will improve patient experiences and outcomes.