DECEMBER 2020
PMREMS newsletter
regionalresource
T Thank Y You
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Thank
You IN THIS EDITION
A
s 2020 comes to an end; it’s time to send thanks to all of those who have contributed to Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services. From the medical professionals
we’re proud to call our team; to those behind the scenes, our board comprised of nominated volunteers representing each member municipality...we say “Thank you.”
2 ONBOARD ONLINE
Board Bios with Thanks
3 LVHN: NEWS
New Hospital Construction
4 ST LUKES FOR RESPONDERS Responder Recognition
5 THE MORE YOU SNOW Shovel Safety
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6 EVENTS IN THE NEW YEAR PMREMS Invites
online
OnBOARD
PMREMS 2020 Board: (from left top) Patti O’Keefe, Clare Colgan, Denise Doremus/PMREMS, Lisa Hutchins, Peter Gonze, Nick DeWitt/PMREMS, Joyce Onstead, James Apgar, Logan Evans, Heidi Pickard. Not in photo: Steve Malaico/Tunkhannock Township and Patty Bucco/Mt. Pocono
Adapting to online meetings in 2020, Pocono Mountain Regional board members, comprised of member municipality representatives, pledged time and talent to ensuring your Emergency Medical Services remained uninterrupted. Read about some of these volunteers with bios below... CHAIR LOGAN EVANS As President of a successful area business, Mountain Landscaping, with up to 20 employees, Logan has gained an admirable reputation throughout the region. His organizational skills and management experience further enhances the structure of the board. Living in Cresco with girlfriend Alexandra and daughters Elliette and Charlotte; Logan has also been a member of the Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company since 2003; currently as Fire Chief. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of the Pocono Mountains.
Vice Chair Peter Gonze
clare colgan
Paradise Township Supervisor and member of PMR board since 2014, Peter brings extensive business experience from his over 40 years in leadership positions in the pharma, biotech and medical device fields. He has in-depth management skills in Management, Marketing, Finance, and HR. His focus is on leadership development, transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Clare is a supervisor liaison to Coolbaugh’s Parks and Recreation which I have been a member of or chairperson of for 20 years.
TREASURER Heidi Pickard Former Tobyhanna Township Supervisor since 2002, Heidi possesses a Bachelors Degree in Business Management with a Masters in Public Administration. This Pocono Pines native maintains an active presence in the community reasoning, “That’s where the people are,” adding “We work for them.”. Secretary Joyce Onsted Joyce serves PMREMS as Board Secretary and principal grant writer. She has been a member of the BOD since 2015. She also serves as Vice Chair of Coolbaugh Township’s Environmental Advisory Council and works part time as an Office Assistant for Tobyhanna Township.
patti o’Keefe Patti began my term on the board in 2018 when she became the representative from Barrett Township Supervisors. She is also involved with the Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), volunteer for Brodhead Water Association, the Pocono Heritage Land Trust, and the Historical Society. Patti is a retired science teacher, most recently from 20 years at Evergreen Community Charter School. JAMES APGAR Currently a Forest Patrolman for Pocono Lake Preserve since 2017; Jim served as Bike Patrol, School Resource, Community Outreach and K9 Specialist during a 26 year career in law enforcement. PAST BOARD MEMBEr Lisa Hutchins
LVHNnews
oard of Internal Medicine for Internal Medicine and e American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology for eurology. He is currently accepting patients at the VPG-Neurology practice in East Stroudsburg, for the llowing areas: Stroke, seizure disorders, multiple clerosis, neuromuscular disorders, infections of the ervous system, neurodegenerative disorders, spinal ord disorders, headaches and neuropathies.
LVHN Resumes Construction for Hospital in Dickson City, Pa Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) today demonstrated its commitment to building a hospital in Dickson City, Pa. north of Scranton by formally announcing the resumption of construction on the project. Coordinated Health began the project by breaking ground in January 2019 prior to joining LVHN in December that year. The LVHN Board of Trustees approved hospital plans last month. The Dickson City campus will feature a new 100,578-square-foot hospital that will be connected to an existing medical office building that serves as the home of Coordinated Health Scranton Orthopedics, 334 Main St., Dickson City. The hospital will have an orthopedic and surgical specialty focus and feature the following: •
An 18-bay Emergency Department
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24 private inpatient beds (with the option to open additional beds in the future)
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Seven operating rooms and two procedure rooms.
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Helipad available for any necessary critical-care transports
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Opening is anticipated in the Summer of 2022.
“I am extremely excited that this will be the first LVHN hospital facility in the Scranton market,” said Brian Nester, DO, MBA, FACOEP, LVHN’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “Our Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence and Coordinated Health will bring nationally recognized quality surgical care to the region.” Nester said surgical and procedural programs that will be offered at the Dickson City campus include spine/joint replacement, general orthopedic surgery, hand surgery, general surgery, ENT, urology, bariatric surgery and GI surgery. Nester said LVHN is expanding on the original project plan with upgrades to the existing medical office building by growing pain, rheumatology and podiatry services. He said the campus will also add CT, X-ray, ultrasound and fluoroscopy imaging services and telehealth services. The project is expected to add 266 new jobs and more than 25 new inpatient providers to the region, as well as up to 16 primary care physicians across four locations. Nester also announced that Elizabeth Wise, President of Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono, will serve as the president of the Dickson City hospital, which will be named at a later date. William Cors, MD, Chief Medical Officer at LVH–Pocono, also will serve as the Chief Medical Officer at Dickson City. “I am honored that LVHN has entrusted me with bringing the health network’s high- quality care and service to Dickson City and the Scranton region with our first hospital in this area,” Wise said. “We are eager to partner with our colleagues at Coordinated Health Scranton Orthopedics as well as independent physicians to help this community achieve its best health.”
Our St. Luke’s family thanks ALL firstLuke’s responders Our St. family for thanks protecting and keeping ALL first responders forour community safekeeping and healthy. protecting and our community safe and healthy. Nick Dewitt, Paramedic, Business Manager, Pocono Mountain Regional EMS Nick Dewitt, Paramedic, Business Manager, Sgt. Charles Brown,Pocono Stroud Area MountainPolice Regional EMS Regional Department Sgt. Charles Brown, Stroud Area Mike McMann, 2nd Assistant Regional PoliceTownship Department Chief, Pocono Volunteer Fire Company Mike McMann, 2nd Assistant Chief, Pocono Township Volunteer Fire Company
the more you
Snow
Severe snowstorms, even mild flurries, bring about concern over health hazards. Slip-and-falls, exposure to the elements, even shoveling statistically share a fair amount of risk of serious injuries, even death. Nationwide, snow shoveling is responsible for thousands of injuries, and as many as, 100 deaths each year. While most people won't have a problem, shoveling snow can put some at risk of a heart attack. Sudden exertion, like moving pounds of snow after being inactive for several months, can put tremendous strain on the heart. Even pushing a heavy snow blower can also cause harm. Add in the chill factor. Cold weather can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrict arteries; which decreases blood supply. Individuals over the age of 40 or who are relatively inactive should be particularly careful though this is true in healthy people too.
National Safety Council recommends the following to shovel safely: Do not shovel after eating or while smoking Take it slow & stretch out before you begin Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter Push the snow rather than lifting it If you lift snow, use a small or only partially full shovel Lift with your legs, not your back Do not work to the point of exhaustion Know the signs of a heart attack, stop immediately & call 911 if you're experiencing any as every minute counts
Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services shares facts like these from professionals; though you should always consult your physician for advice before heading out in the ice.
2021PMREMS
FEW A LOO K AT A
S IS T & WAY S TO A S
R E NEW YEA TH IN S T N E EV
Headquarters 135 Tegawitha Road, Tobyhanna, PA 18466 Web PMREMS.org Phone 570.839.8485 EMAIL INFO.PMREMS@gmail.com