APRIL 2020
PMREMS newsletter
RegionalResource
Pocono Mountain Regional EMS teammates gather to celebrate the hospital release of one of their own
In this Together A
s we all continue adjusting to out-of-the-norm arrangements due to COVID-19 directives, Pocono Mountain Regional EMS shares insight on us -and- from area health professionals.
Checkout a behind the scenes look into makings of masks by one of our own; to public appreciation for all the amazing things our friends throughout the community have done for us.
IN THIS EDITION
2 Making Masks for Heroes Thanks to one of our own 4 EMS Extends Signups Help us Help you 5 LVHN Physician’s Facts COVID19 insight 6 Community Positive Pieces Thanks for everything 7 St Lukes Connection Video links
P oco n o M ou nta in R eg io n a l E m e rg e n cy M e dica l S e rv ice s Headquarters135 Tegawitha Rd, Tobyhanna, PA 18466 WebPMREMS.org
Phone570.839.8485 EMAILINFO.PMREMS@gmail.com
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As the COVID-19 crisis consumes our daily lives; we take a moment to look at the every day heroes that continue to amaze us all. Of course doctors, nurses, emergency responders and essential workers deserve a round of applause; but let’s see the resources behind the masks like Pocono Mountain Regional EMS EMT Antionette “TJ” Prince who, alongside her husband Leon, makes vital protective gear like masks and head caps. As of the time of publication, the pair has made and donated over 600 adult and children sized masks. They have also made 100 mask keepers and face shields on their 3D printer. Surgical head caps and covers for the personal respirators some have also been created.
We have not sold any of the pieces we have made Donating every single piece to various agencies and organizations throughout our surrounding area; TJ states, “We have not sold any of the pieces we have made.” The list of mask recipients grows even beyond Pocono Mountain Regional EMS professionals, families and friends with emergency response, as well as, essential work professionals like: PA State Police, Stroudsburg barracks; Pocono Mountain Regional Police; Lake Naomi Maintenance Department; the Security and Maintenance crews for Masthope POA, near Lake Wallenpaupak, in addition to Wilkes Barre resources like Plains Fire Department and Geisinger Hospital ER.
Giving back is what we do, and that's why we are spending most of our spare time cutting, sewing and printing to make sure people are safe.
! s e o r Speaking on behalf of herself and Leon, TJ smiles,” Giving back is what we do and that’s why we are spending most of our spare time cutting, sewing, and printing to make sure people are safe.” Recalling her own courageous battle with cancer during chemotherapy; she remembers the help others had given her family. Compelled to “Give back,” TJ notes the need to help with a “Sense of security” as members of the community faces these troubling times.
Put a smile on people’s face and ease their fears while we do what we do everyday The masks are made of 100% cotton so they are washable. A variety of patterns and designs are used to, “Put a smile on people's face and ease their fears while we [Emergency Responders] do what we do everyday.”
Each is cut out on a Cricut Machine, then, over to the sewing machine they go. All masks have a pocket to put a Hepa filter provided by the Prince’s or an N95 mask in them. Reminding all masks and head caps are donated; they say donated material to continue making masks is greatly appreciated. Elastic also is in high demand and hard to get. While the pair works tirelessly to create these items, production is slowed when waiting on orders of elastic to come in.
We will continue production for as long as there is a need for masks Reasoning, “You can't put a price on people's lives or safety. Life is just too precious,” TJ vows, “We will continue production for as long as there is a need for masks.”
d n e i h t h be ! s k s Ma
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EXTENDS SIGNUPS Pocono Mountain Regional EMS has extended it’s annual Subscription Drive signups thru June 2020! Comprising nearly 10% of revenue sources, our annual Subscription Drive is not only a critical part of PMREMS revenue; it enables families to pay a fee of just $75 for emergency ambulance transpor t coverage June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021.
Responding to nearly 6900 emergency calls shows an elevated need. As call volume increases, so do operating costs which include building and vehicle maintenance, equipment purchases, and training classes for our medical professionals. To help offset these costs and continue to give the quality of care you deserve, we turn to our community for help. While fundraising isn’t a new thing, we see it as an opportunity to not only subsidize operational expenses, but also cut costs for residents.
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Accepted by ambulance services providing mutual aid to PMREMS A Note to Medicare Beneficiaries
Billed for the portion not covered by insurance that could mount to hundreds of dollars
Medicare pays 80% of their fee schedule leaving the patient responsible for a 20% balance
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20% Medicare balance waived
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Billed 20% Medicare Balance
Medicare beneficiaries may still be billed for co-payments & deductible if required by law
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to them. The most common triggers are emotional stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes in women (such as around the time of menstruation) and not eating. Some other triggers are chocolate, wine, aspartame, changes in the weather, dehydration, bright lights and strong smells. I ask my patients to keep a headache diary wherein they can identify their headache triggers and avoid them. Several apps are available on IOS and Android now to keep track of an individual’s headache and triggers.
can mean a tear in the blood vessels that supply the brain that can cause a potentially disabling stroke. Headaches associated with visual symptoms, especially visual loss should prompt a visit to your neurologist. A neurologist can look inside your eyes to detect raised pressure inside the brain. A timely diagnosis of this condition can avoid permanent vision loss.
Physician’s Facts COVID-19
Signs and Symptoms
Treatments for Migraine Sufferers
Depending on the headache frequency, patient preference, coexisting medication conditions, several medication options are available to treat migraines. Some medicines are supposed to be taken on a daily basis and others are to be taken only when a headache happens.
Usually migraine headaches are located on one side of the head, they are pulsating or throbbing in quality, associated with sensitivity My name is Dr. Marc Keuler. I am a Monroe County resident and physician. I am part of the light and sound. Most people feel nauseous When headachesinare resistant to these g in either the Valleyto Physician Lehigh Group, practicing right here in Tobyhanna, specializing Internal and throw up during migraine. People medications, patients can be referred for botox Medicine. During the past month,amy patients, neighbors and friends have asked many questions about COVID-19, as they look during to navigate this public injections. health crisis. usually avoid moving around a migraine ience slurred headache as it makes the symptoms worse. Some general rules that my family and I have been following are: as it sounds, overusing headache As strange difficulties The untreated headache usually lasts between medications can actually cause a headache. aine episode. Stay home. Only go out of your house if you need to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy. During 4 to 72 hours. # is called overuse through videoasor‘medication phone. Please contact 1 this crisis most routine medical visits can be done at home This tigo, ringing A unique symptom of a migraine that happens your healthcare provider’s office, or visit lvhn.org or MyLVHN for additional headache’. I see information. it frequently in people who nsteadiness in some patients is something called as headache medications three or more m aura. BrainWhen you go out in public, practice social distancing. Try totake maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from ‘cutaneous allodynia’. This means feeling pain times a week, or 15 plus days a month. # and if you have to be less than 6 feet from someone, try to limit the time spent with them 2 other people ain. Some in response to stimuli that are not supposed to Regular follow up with a neurologist is less than 6 feet for no more than two vision loss into less than two Minutes. That is the “6 feet two minute rule,” minutes.be painful, such as brushing your hair, shaving necessary to make sure you are taking the graine, such or wearing contact lenses. appropriate medications in a manner that is as retinal orWear personal protection in public, which means a mask and eye protection (if possible). A mask can # both safe and effective. 3 be a scarf or a bandanna. The idea is toor cover your mouth and nose so that you do not touch your Warning Signs of a Stroke Serious oss usually face. This virus enters the body through the mouth, the nose and the eyes. Issue
When to See a Neurologist
Whenissomeone suffers fromsomething migraines that for has the When This disease spread by touching virus on it and then touching your face. be headache stops responding to over # This is why hand hygiene is so important! After you touch things in public, sanitize your hands and too do 4 long time, it’s easy to dismiss every headache n one side the counter pain medications, becomes not touch your face. If you follow these rules it will significantly reduce your risk of getting this virus. as a migraine. Serious brain bleeds have similar to a frequent or starts affecting your school or work been missed as a result of this. It is very performance, to see acan neurologist. We want to protect ourselves and each other, but particularly the elderly. it’s All time age groups get this
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disease, but people in their 70s and 80s are particularly vulnerable to complications from this disease which can be deadly. So please everyone, follow the rules, stay safe and be well.
rudh Kapoor, MD, is Board certified by the American ard of Internal Medicine for Internal Medicine and For more information about COVID-19, American Board ofcommonly Psychiatryasked and Neurology for and including questions urology.answers, He is currently accepting patients at thesites in addition to local testing PG-Neurology practice in East Stroudsburg, for the CLICK HERE to visit lvhn.org owing areas: Stroke, seizure disorders, multiple erosis, neuromuscular disorders, infections of the
Thank Yo u all for p utting the the-piece s-togethe r that mak e a comm
Great unity
We appr eciate th e Food De liveries Drawing s, Letter s & Notes from EVERYON E
KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENT! St. Luke’s is here for you. See your St. Luke’s doctor from home with a Virtual Visit. • Available for primary care and specialty care appointments
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WELLNESS 101 COVID EPISODE
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