BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL AND WASHINGTON UNIVERSIT Y PHYSICIANS Spring 2012
MINUTES MATTER AND TIME SAVES LIVES
A publication dedicated to trauma, emergency, critical care and first responders
LETTER FROM DR. SCHUERER
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL, a nonprofit academic institution, is the largest hospital in Missouri and is consistently ranked among the Honor Roll of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. The adult teaching hospital of Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish was the first adult hospital in Missouri to be certified as a Magnet hospital for its nursing excellence.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a member of BJC HealthCare, one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States. Barnes-Jewish Hospital's trauma program has earned the distinction of Level I verification from the American College of Surgeons, the highest national recognition possible. Barnes-Jewish Hospital is one of three hospitals in the State of Missouri to earn this prestigious honor. WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 314-TOP-DOCS
M
ay is National Trauma Awareness Month. As we all know, life for most Americans has become extremely fast paced. Often because of our desire to “get it all done,” we unintentionally put ourselves and others at risk for potential harm. For the second year, the American Trauma Society, in collaboration with the Society of Trauma Nurses and Emergency Medical Services for Children, has chosen to focus on the problem of distracted driving. According to the American Trauma Society, a trauma occurs in this country every four seconds. As EMS personnel, you are keenly aware of the unfortunate consequences of trauma to the human body, whether they are from motor vehicle crashes, falls or assault. Although the emergency medical community strives to educate the public about trauma throughout the year, this month is a time when we work even more diligently to bring attention to the prevention of trauma-related accidents. As our partner in emergency care and treatment, we also want to work closely with you to build the infrastructure to support the Time Critical Diagnosis (TCD) system for patients who experience trauma, stroke and STEMI (segment elevation myocardial infarction)–a potentially fatal form of heart attack. This foundation begins with education. I encourage you to attend our annual Trends in Trauma Conference this month. Details of the program and registration information are on page 7. I hope you will join us. Sincerely,
(314-867-3627) or 866-867-3627 (toll free). Douglas Schuerer, MD Associate Professor of Surgery Section of Acute and Critical Care Surgery Director of Trauma Barnes-Jewish Hospital
IN THIS ISSUE 1
/ 10 th Annual EMS Barbecue / BJH Receives Reverification as Level 1 Trauma Center
2–3
/ Q&A with Drs. Osborn and Blanke
4–5
/ EMT Gets a Patient's Perspective on Trauma Care
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/ Trends in Trauma Conference
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/ Trauma Surgeon for a Day
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/ ThinkFirst Offers Glimpse of Reality After Accidents
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Want to send a message to Douglas Schuerer? Have questions or comments? E-mail: innovate@bjc.org
Photo by Tim Mudrovic
Dear Allied Health Professionals:
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Trauma Services Set to Celebrate
10
th
ANNUAL
EMS BARBECUE
The 10th annual EMS barbecue co-sponsored by Barnes-Jewish Hospital Trauma Services and Emergency Department, Washington University Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and St. Louis Children’s Hospital is scheduled for May 24, 2012. Held in the Barnes-Jewish ambulance bay, the celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. and run until 9 p.m. The barbecue began in 2003 as a way to show appreciation to EMS personnel. Julie Nash, RN, current manager of trauma services, had recently been hired as a supervisor and wanted to thank pre-hospital colleagues for their efforts to always provide the best care for patients. “I thought, what better way to show appreciation than to have a special day set aside for them,” says Nash. Over the years, the celebration has expanded. Although it started small, the past few years have seen anywhere from 250-400 EMS personnel attend, even if they need to fit it in between transporting patients. “Our advertising has been solely word-of-mouth,
MAY 24th 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. LOCATION:
Barnes-Jewish Hospital ambulance bay and that’s obviously working. Of course, food is always a draw,” says Nash. In the past, members of the trauma services team have manned the grills, but this year Bandana’s Bar-B-Q will provide the meal. The event also includes a gift for each EMS crew member but, until the day of the barbecue, the gift is treated almost as a state secret. “We have as much fun planning the barbecue as we do attending,” says Stacey Woods, RN, trauma and acute care surgery nurse coordinator.
Barnes-Jewish Receives Reverification as a Level 1 Trauma Center Barnes-Jewish Hospital has been reverified as a nationally recognized Level 1 trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The hospital was initially verified as an ACS Level 1 in 1996. Every three years, re-evaluation is required to maintain the verification. “This distinction is the gold standard for trauma centers. Achieving this recognition means a great deal to us at Barnes-Jewish and reflects our commitment with Washington University School of Medicine to be national leaders in medicine and the patient experience,” says Julie Nash, RN, manager of trauma and acute care services. The ACS Consultation/Verification Program is designed to assist hospitals in the evaluation and improvement of trauma care and provide objective, external review of institutional capability and performance. These functions are accomplished by an on-site review of the hospital by a peer review team experienced in the field of trauma care. The team assesses commitment, readiness, resources, policies, patient care, performance improvement and other relevant features of the program as outlined in Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient: 2006 document.
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Q & A WITH DR. OSBORN
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Surgery Section, Acute and Critical Care Surgery Washington University School of Medicine
Tiffany Osborn, MD, MPH, FACEP, joined Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in October 2011. She previously worked at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and the University of Virginia.
Q: What brought you to Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital?
A: When my family was planning our return to the United States from England, I was asked by Dr. Grant Bochicchio to consider Washington University and Barnes- Jewish Hospital. Once I visited and met so many wonderful people with whom I would have the opportunity to work, and explored the research possibilities, I knew this would be a good professional fit. My family and I explored the area and found St. Louis to be a very family-friendly city with a number of positive attributes. I am happy to say, since we arrived both the city and the institution have exceeded our expectations.
Q: How long were you in England and what did you do there? A: We lived in England for five years. While there, I completed a
Master of Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, then was recruited to be the trial clinician for a large randomized controlled trial called Protocolised Management In Sepsis (ProMISe) while continuing to work clinically part time at the University of Virginia.
Q: What is ProMISe? A: ProMISe is a United Kingdom (UK) government-funded sepsis trial testing early goal-directed therapy in 48 hospitals throughout England, Northern Ireland and Wales. I feel a real sense of contribution with this, as I believe the results will positively impact care for people across the UK.
Q: The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has an international reputation for excellence. How did you enjoy your time there?
A: It was an amazing education. The education was pertinent to
research and healthcare resources. Additionally, I met people from all over the world, many sponsored by their country's ministry of health, the World Health Organization and non-governmental organizations. A few of these wonderful people will remain good friends for a lifetime.
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Q: You did your residency at the University of Maryland Cowley Shock Trauma Center? Were you there at the same time as Dr. Bochicchio?
A: Yes, after completing my emergency medicine residency
at the University of Maryland, I did a two-year fellowship at The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. During my fellowship I met Grant and his wife, Kelly. I enjoyed our work together. It was an amazing educational opportunity that provided clinical experience that I continue to institute daily. From there, I went to the University of Virginia where I worked half of my clinical time in the emergency department (ED) and half in the surgical and trauma ICU (STICU).
Q: Is that how you spend your time here? A: Yes, I have a joint appointment with emergency medicine and surgery, with my primary appointment in surgery. I work 50 percent of my time in the ED and 50 percent in the surgical/trauma ICU.
Q: How do you like it? A: I love it. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves and being at the bedside of critically ill and injured patients. The courage some people show—even during what may be a very dark time for them—is humbling and often inspiring. The intellectual complexity and manual skill required provides ever-changing challenges that keep me engaged and learning. I can honestly say that I really enjoy what I do and the people with whom I work. This includes amazing individuals (physicians, nurses and staff) in emergency medicine, surgery and anesthesia.
Q: Rumor has it that you have a personal connection with emergency services personnel?
A: Yes, my dad was the battalion chief of a fire department for 35 years. He started as a paramedic and then became a fireman. His department served about five villages outside of Houston, Texas. I can’t remember a time at Christmas without a barbecue at the firehouse or a Santa wearing fireman boots. While in Virginia, I also conducted cadaver labs for paramedics. One time I taught them how to do an emergent cricothyrotomy. Coincidentally, the very next week, they found themselves in a situation where they had to do one so they sent me a T-shirt as a thank you.
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“ The courage some people show—even during what may be a very dark time for them—is humbling and often inspiring.”
Q & A WITH DR. BLANKE
Clinical Instructor Washington University School of Medicine
Thomas Blanke, MD, joined Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in March 2012. He previously was a general surgeon in private practice serving several hospitals in the St. Louis area.
Q: What brought you to Washington University
School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital?
A: Well, it’s kind of interesting. The longer you work, the more you realize what you love to do. I’ve been on the surgery service of ConnectCare Clinic for more than a decade, with the majority of my time teaching residents. I’ve learned over the years that teaching seems to be my true calling; at least it’s what I enjoy the most. Since Washington University and Barnes-Jewish are an academic medical center, it seemed to be a great fit for me, and after 36 years in private practice, I was ready for a change.
Q: What is ConnectCare? A: Saint Louis ConnectCare partners with community health centers to support primary care providers in delivering comprehensive medical care. As an ambulatory facility, ConnectCare offers multiple services for outpatient care, which includes urgent care (at the Smiley Urgent Care Center), specialty care, diagnostic testing and retail pharmacy. ConnectCare also operates an ambulatory surgery center equipped to perform minor surgical procedures on site.
Q: Have you been in St. Louis for your entire career? A: For the most part, yes. I went to medical school at Washington University and also did my residency here.
Photo by Jamie Gagliarducci
Tiffany Osborn, MD, MPH, FACEP
After that, I went to San Antonio, Texas, for two years where I was an attending physician in the department of surgery at Wilford Hall U.S. Air Force Medical Center. We had our own Air Force residents and also participated in some of the teaching activities of the department of surgery at the University of Texas at San Antonio, so we had clinical appointments at the medical school. We also were involved in the hyperbaric medicine activities at Brooks Air Force Base as chamber assistants. In addition, all of us (residents and attending physicians) "moonlighted" in the hospital emergency rooms at Uvalde and Hondo, Texas, for additional experience. I was deployed for three months to a Strategic Air Command base in Blytheville, Ark., as a surgeon. There we had bombers, tankers, guard dogs and their armed handlers. That was more of an introduction to the "real" Air Force as Wilford Hall was the Air Force's main hospital at that time and was essentially an enormous teaching establishment.
Q: Why did you pursue a career in medicine? A: Well, I don’t remember any specific moment when I realized that I wanted to be a doctor. However, when I was young, my father and I lived in the same apartment building as Dr. Morris Alex, the St. Louis cardiologist who died last November. He was such a great role model; I guess it just seemed a natural path for me.
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Photo by Tim Mudrovic
Chaun Williams is a welcome face to the staff in the Barnes-Jewish Hospital emergency and trauma services department. Some of the physicians who treated Williams (second from right) include (from left) Matthew Porembka, MD; John Kirby, MD; and John Mazuski, MD.
EMT GETS A PATIENT’S
PERSPECTIVE ON TRAUMA CARE
Photo by Jennifer Aycock
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“We stopped the bleeding but didn’t close the wounds. We then sent him to the surgical intensive care unit with the sole purpose of keeping him alive,” says Mazuski.
It’s hard to imagine a worse case of mistaken identity. Chaun Williams, 27, a St. Louis City emergency medical technician (EMT), was doing his laundry at a University City laundromat one evening last summer. After leaving to run a quick errand, he returned for his clothes. As he was getting out of the car, he heard footsteps quickly coming up behind him and saw the flash of gunfire. He ran but didn’t get far. Falling between two cars, he heard more gunfire and managed to call 911 before he passed out. When he awoke, he was riding in the back of an ambulance. This in itself wasn’t unusual for the EMT. But this time, Williams was the patient, having had the misfortune of being mistaken for someone who looks like him and drives a similar car. As the University City EMTs gathered the standard information from Williams, he told them he was having trouble breathing, that they needed to decompress his chest and that he himself was an EMT. When the ambulance reached Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Williams was rapidly deteriorating. Brian Fuller, MD, was the attending emergency room physician on call. “He was clearly critically ill from a number of gunshot wounds. At the time, we didn’t know how many, but we did know he had collapsed lungs,” says Fuller. Bilateral chest tubes were inserted and a quick ultrasound of Williams’ heart and abdomen was completed. It showed a lot of bleeding. “We got large-bore IV access started immediately to help with resuscitation including fluids and blood transfusions,” says Fuller.
Williams was hypotensive and in shock. His blood pressure was dangerously low but the ED team didn’t give him medication to raise it. According to Fuller, Williams was allowed to be permissively hypotensive, which means that instead of giving a patient medication and excessive fluid to raise his or her blood pressure, the trauma team works to resuscitate the patient maintaining a lower blood pressure. “For a patient like Williams with a hole in a bleeding vessel, it helps that they are a little hypotensive because it keeps the blood clot intact, creating less of a chance of re-bleed,” says Fuller. Literally minutes after Williams came through the Barnes-Jewish ED, he was on his way to surgery. John Mazuski, MD, was the trauma surgeon on call and was assisted by Matthew Porembka, MD, chief surgical resident at the time. Still in dire condition in the operating room, Williams' heart stopped beating briefly, causing the team to defibrillate his heart and perform CPR. Mazuski and Porembka performed what is called damage control. “We stopped the bleeding but didn’t close the wounds. We then sent him to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) with the sole purpose of keeping him alive,” says Mazuski. During the nearly 24 hours that Williams was in shock, the team continued the resuscitation and worked to stabilize him. Williams’ care truly was a team effort. Two days after he was brought in, Robert Southard, MD, closed Williams’ chest and repaired his colon. A day later, Bradley Freeman, MD, closed Williams’ abdomen in his third and final operation. Porembka assisted in all of Williams’ surgeries and Fuller, who has a dual appointment in emergency medicine and critical care, treated him while he was in the
Above: About a month after Chaun Williams was discharged, he returned to thank those who had cared for him while he was on 84 ICU. Front row, from left: Jake Keeperman, MD; John Mazuski, MD; Shelley Doerrer, RN; and Kevin Atchison, RN, BSN. Back row: Cole Walterman, PCT.
SICU. Doug Schuerer, MD, and John Kirby, MD, cared for him in the ICU. Schuerer discharged Williams almost three weeks later. Although multiple physicians and nurses cared for Williams while he was at Barnes-Jewish, the common denominator was the trauma multidisciplinary model of care reflecting best practices during the entire chain of survival. “The EMTs who brought him to the hospital did the right thing by getting him here as fast as possible. They didn’t stop to start an IV or to intubate him, providing him access to definitive care as soon as possible,” says Fuller. The team also credits Williams for playing an integral part in his own recovery. “Chaun was young, healthy and in great shape to begin with. This went miles toward helping to make him better,” says Fuller. Mazuski, too, was amazed with what Williams was able to do. “Usually for a patient with these types of injuries, it takes six to nine months to fully recover. Chaun was an extremely determined young man,” says Mazuski. Williams was back at work in two and a half months. Initially, he was frequently short of breath but now says he is as capable as he was before the shooting. After his experience, he feels he can relate to his patients even more. “I was an EMT for several years before the shooting but now I know the very personal feeling when it’s your emergency.”
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Above: William Gilmore, MD, EMT-P (center), receives the John P. Pryor Street Medicine Society Award from Mike McEvoy, well-known EMS author and speaker, left, and JEMS editor-in-chief A.J. Heightman during the opening ceremonies at the 2012 EMS Today Conference & Exposition in Baltimore.
Gilmore Receives Award for Volunteer Accomplishments William Gilmore, MD, EMT-P, director of the EMS Clerkship for the emergency medicine residency program at Washington University School of Medicine, is this year’s recipient of the John P. Pryor Street Medicine Society award. Gilmore received the award in March at the 2012 EMS Today Conference & Exposition in Baltimore, Md. Gilmore was honored for his contributions as the assistant medical director of the St. Louis Fire Department. He has worked tirelessly in a volunteer capacity to improve the education and skills of emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Gilmore also has worked with local organizations to provide much-needed equipment for the department as well as improving the administrative process.
Gilmore has devoted countless hours to writing and rewriting protocols to be in accordance with national guidelines, and has created a video to disseminate the information. Gilmore assisted with the creation of new layouts for equipment bags, conducted research on drug shortages and worked to make EMS-C certification possible.
Schuerer Receives Appointment to East Central Region EMS Committee
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Julie Nash, RN, Barnes-Jewish Hospital manager of trauma and acute care services, has been elected treasurer of the Society of Trauma Nurses. Previously, Nash served as the organization’s director at large for business development. Nash will serve two years in this position.
OVER 1,200 NURSES PARTICIPATE FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD
The Society of Trauma Nurses is a specialty nursing organization dedicated to advancing trauma nursing, trauma education and the development of trauma nursing leadership. Formed in 1989, the society has membership totaling just over 1,200 nurses from across the United States and the world. Members represent a variety of clinical settings, including pre-hospital, emergency department, perioperative, intensive care, surgical floors, rehabilitation and outpatient services.
Douglas Schuerer, MD, Barnes-Jewish Hospital director of trauma, has been elected chair of the East Central Region Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee. As a subcommittee of the state advisory council of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the committee serves as a liaison to the regional emergency medical services and hospital community. This year, the committee is charged with creating regional EMS plans for the time critical diagnosis (TCD) system.
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL AND WASHINGTON UNIVERSIT Y PHYSICIANS
Photo by Tim Mudrovic
Photo by Glen Ellman
Nash Re-elected to Society of Trauma Nurses Board
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18TH ANNUAL TRENDS IN TRAUMA CONFERENCE May 9 & 10 at Ameristar Hotel and Casino, St. Charles, Mo. The annual Trends in Trauma Conference, sponsored by Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University Physicians, will be held May 9 and 10 at Ameristar Hotel and Casino in St. Charles, Mo. The conference provides health care professionals with the latest in trauma care and trauma management information.
Every May, MORE THAN 250 trauma professionals, including physicians, nurses, paramedics and other emergency services personnel, gather to learn about the latest trends and technology in caring for critically injured patients. “The Trends in Trauma Conference gives nurses, physicians and pre-hospital providers a chance to come together and learn as one. We look for the best in the medical field to present their area of expertise. We are proud to be a part of the legacy and strive to bring the very best every year for participants,” says Becky Fleming, trauma services co-coordinator of the conference.
Photo by Tim Mudrovic
This year’s event will consist of two full days of trauma-focused learning, including clinical and social topics, and will present national and state leaders in the field of trauma and acute care surgery.
Photo by Tim Mudrovic
Eighteen years ago, the conference started as a small educational seminar provided by the former Barnes Hospital trauma services department. It has grown to become a national education outreach for Barnes-Jewish and Washington University School of Medicine.
Keynote speakers are Lena Napolitano, MD, professor of surgery at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, division chief of acute care surgery, chief of trauma and surgical critical care, and associate chair for the department of surgery; and Robert Dodson, MD, medical director at Mercy Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. Napolitano is a world-renowned surgeon and intensive care specialist. She has led various committees in multiple organizations with an emphasis on improving ICU care. Her current research interests include anemia and blood transfusions in trauma and critical care, gender differences in outcomes after trauma, clinical and biological predictors of multiple organ dysfunction failure after trauma or critical illness, and other topics related to treating trauma and critically ill patients. Dodson led his team at Mercy Medical Center after a catastrophic tornado hit the hospital and the majority of the town of Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011. Dodson will discuss the days and weeks that followed and how the hospital dealt with the disaster. “Attending the conference is time well spent,” says Douglas Schuerer, MD, FACS, Barnes-Jewish Hospital director of trauma. “Attendees consistently comment that they enjoy the broad range of nationally recognized speakers who provided a depth of knowledge and expertise representing the full spectrum of trauma patient care.” For a detailed agenda and to register, visit BarnesJewish.org/trauma2012 or call 314-362-9175 for more information. Registration also will be available at the door.
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TRAUMA SURGEON FOR A DAY at Saint Francis Medical Center
It’s not often that a hospital sends out an SOS, but last November, Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo., found itself in desperate need of a few extra trauma surgeons. One of its trauma physicians, who commutes from the Florida Keys, had to have emergency surgery and was unavailable for a couple of months. So Rob Grayhek, Saint Francis’ director of trauma and disaster services, sent a request to a number of Missouri hospitals to fill the holes in their trauma service. Julie Nash, RN, Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s manager of trauma and acute care services, Douglas Schuerer, MD, trauma medical director, and Grant Bochicchio, MD, chief of acute and critical care surgery for Washington University School of Medicine, were eager for their team to offer assistance.
For this outreach effort, help came in the form of Kareem Husain, MD, one of the trauma surgeons that make up the Section of Acute and Critical Care Surgery in Washington University’s Department of Surgery. Husain, who did not have a clinical shift to cover that day, was happy to oblige. The medical center was able to get Husain St. Francis credentials quickly, allowing him to be on staff for the day. “In Missouri, we frequently work with multiple hospitals on time critical diagnosis and trauma-related injuries. We’re incredibly blessed as a state to
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Above: Kareem Husain, MD, (far left) rounds with the team on 84 ICU including (from left): Max Zhang, MD, PhD, resident physician; Enyo Ablordeppey, MD, fellow; Grecori Anderson, MD, surgical resident; and Rebecca Craig-Schapiro, MD, PhD, student at Washington University School of Medicine.
have a number of hospitals performing at such high levels that, between local physicians and a few from other area hospitals, it wasn’t too difficult to fill the shifts,” says Grayhek. During the 24-hour period, there was a spleen injury and a spinal injury. The patient with the spinal injury was referred to Barnes-Jewish for additional treatment. “This was particularly interesting for me, because I’m usually on the receiving end of the referrals. This time I was the one calling for the transfer,” says Husain. According to Husain, the entire experience was rewarding. “The hospital was beautiful, the people were kind and attentive, and there was a great team atmosphere between the nurses and other surgeons. I was very impressed with the level of service from the attending level on down.” Husain’s visit to Saint Francis helped establish a stronger relationship between the hospitals. Shortly after Husain returned, Michael Heid, DO, medical director of trauma services at Saint Francis, came to St. Louis for a rib-plating course taught by Husain and his partners, and sponsored by Synthes, Inc. Heid also plans to come to Barnes-Jewish to learn how to perform a percutaneous tracheostomy.
“This is a great way to share information and experience with other hospitals. I would go back to help again in a heartbeat,” says Husain.
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ThinkFirst Offers Glimpse of Reality After Accidents It's fairly common for the young rather than the old to engage more frequently in risk-taking behavior. With age, comes a keener sense of one’s mortality. The national ThinkFirst program recognizes this and addresses it with a program geared specifically to teenagers.
In 2005, Meyer and her grandmother were standing on a hill next to their van when Meyer noticed that the emergency brake was on. She leaned in to take the brake off, not knowing the van was in reverse. When the van began rolling down the hill, the door slammed into Meyer, folding her in half. Meyer spent a week in acute care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH), nine weeks as an inpatient at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis (TRISL) followed by five months as an outpatient continuing to work on recovery and mobility. Meyer was in college studying to be a physician assistant when the accident happened. Afterwards, she changed her career path to become a rehabilitation counselor.
“Obviously, this was a huge life change for me, and I wanted to be able to help others adjust who might be in similar situations,” says Meyer. Shortly before Meyer graduated, she was contacted by TRISL, which was looking for a full-time counselor.
Photo by Valerie Hoven
ThinkFirst for Teens is a program that takes a more serious look at risk-taking activities through stories told by young people who have suffered brain or spinal cord injuries. Jessi Meyer is one such person.
Left: Jessi Meyer, rehabilitation counselor for The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, and Heather Heil, injury prevention coordinator for Barnes-Jewish Hospital trauma services, present the ThinkFirst Teens program to a local high school.
Now working as a rehabilitation counselor, Meyer also is a Voice for Injury Prevention (VIP) speaker for the ThinkFirst program. She and other VIP speakers join Heather Heil, the injury prevention coordinator for BJH trauma services and director of ThinkFirst’s St. Louis branch, to educate teenagers about the anatomy of the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system. VIP speakers share their personal stories, discuss how they were injured, how they could have prevented the injury and how they deal with life after paralysis or brain injury. “We want them to know that we were fully functioning just like them before the accident, and then we get into specifics about relearning simple, daily tasks like showering and using the restroom,” says Meyer.
says Heil. “If we can get teens to be more thoughtful about their actions, hopefully some of these injuries will be prevented.” Another ThinkFirst program in the works is a Traffic Offenders Program for 16- to 25-year-olds who have multiple moving violations. The program will bring offenders to the hospital to be taken through the emergency room, intensive care unit, patient floor and TRISL so they can see how they would be cared for if they were in an accident. “It’s a dose of reality so they can see what might happen if they continue on their current path,” says Heil.
If interested in volunteering for one of the ThinkFirst programs, contact Heather Heil at 314-362-9175 or hnr4357@bjc.org.
A question-and-answer session follows each presentation. “The goal is to create a forum for open and frank dialogue about this topic before an accident or injury happens,”
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