O C TO B E R 2 016
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Sharing information and points for prevention covering seasonally related topics from allergies to carbon monoxide poisoning is our way of providing proactive Fall facts in this October edition. So read on and enjoy YOUR regionalresource! Craving more? Check us out on social media and Stay Connected!
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IN THIS EDITION 2
Ready - Set - Respond
3
Para-Point
4
Meet the Fleet
5
A- Is for Allergies
6
Progress That’s NEWs
7
Keep in Touch
8
October’s On-Scene Where We’ve Been
Carbon Monoxide
EMS Published October 21, 2016 The Journal of the Pocono Plateau News Publication
ore than 60 different Emergency Medical Response agencies attended Eastern PA EMS Council’s Code EMS Conference at Kalahari collecting credits from a combination of 52 classes condensed into three days, October 12 to 14. Surrounded by amass of medical professionals the 22nd annual assembly, formerly called Pocono EMS Conference of Development and Education, also introduced participants to the latest in state of the art equipment between one hour lessons. With a goal,” To meet needs at various [professional] levels,” EPAEMSC Executive Director
John Kloss called the conference a “One stop shop” conquering continued education requirements that’s approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. A mix of routine topics from Tourniquets and Advanced EKG; to Gang Awareness recognizing color identifiers and gestures to prepare responders if they encounter a violent situation, were on point with the pulse of modern medicinal matters. Representation from major healthcare networks including St. Lukes and Pocono Medical Center, resonated from display booths to pupils and present-
ers delving into topics such as an EMS Street Drug Review with PMC’s Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Jennifer Volpe. Noting the importance of treating Methamphetamine emergencies, while also understanding long term effects of the highly addictive stimulant, Pocono Mountain Regional EMS Operations Manager Denise Doremus commented, “She’s [Dr. Volpe] not only extremely knowledgable she captivates the audience,” adding, “I truly consider this entire conference a great experience.”
prevention pa r a - p o i n t S : C a r b o n m o n o x i d e p o i s o n i n g Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (CO Poisoning) occurs when carbon monoxide is inhaled through the lungs, then absorbed by hemoglobin in red blood cells that carry life sustaining oxygen throughout the body. When exposed, these red blood cells absorb over 200 times more carbon monoxide than oxygen blocking it from traveling to your heart and brain. Primarily occurring during the winter months as propane, coal, wood and oil are used to heat homes, carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. If this odorless, tasteless, essentially toxic gas fills the air undetected, it could lead to serious consequences. First affecting infants and children, even pets, due to their body size and increased metabolism; as well as the elderly with heart or lung medical conditions, CO Poisoning carries clues that can queue detection. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and nausea. Sometimes called the "Great Imitator," mild carbon monoxide poisoning can often be mistaken for flu-like symptoms. Carbon Monoxide Detectors aid in unveiling this elusive hazard with a continuous alarm that echoes should the gas reach dangerous levels. While most situations resulting in alert activation are not life threatening, like a low battery beep every few minutes, to determine if a 9-1-1 emergency is at hand a few simple steps can help save a life.
look
Does Anyone Appear Disoriented
listen
Ask if Anyone Feels Sick
leave
Evacuate Immediately & Call 9-1-1 for Emergency Medical Assistance Lee V. Rosato, NREMT-P, CCEMT-P Pocono Mountain Regional EMS EMS Deputy Chief Advanced Life Support Coordinator
You may have noticed some changes in the ambulances serving in your area. Pocono Mountain Regional Ambulance has recently introduced four new Braun custom ambulances to their fleet with another on the way. Pocono’s new ambulances provide reliability to ensure patients always receive prompt care. The new ambulances offer updated safety and convenience features.
The new ambulances are not all the same. The new ambulances have different equipment to respond depending on patient needs. Common features include Whelen emergency lighting and a traffic emitter ensure safe and speedy travel to each destination. The LiquidSpring suspension system provides a smoother, more comfortable ride in any condition. Interiors of the new ambulances feature plenty of room for both personnel and those receiving treatment. Improved headroom and safety grab bars make it easy for emergency personnel to quickly and safely maneuver in the patient area. The ergonomic design and layout of the cabinets provide safe, easy stowage of equipment. Check out our article in the next issue for important safety features of the new ambulances.
Pocono Mountain Regional’s ambulances were purchased locally from Glick Fire Equipment in Bird In Hand, PA
350 Mill Creek Rd. Bird In Hand, PA www.glickfire.com
A
Q: Now that autumn is here, so are my terrible fall allergies. Is there anything I can do to alleviate my symptoms? Fall allergies are actually quite common. In fact, about three quarters of people who are allergic to spring plants also have reactions to allergy triggers in the fall, with ragweed pollen being the main culprit. Even though ragweed pollen is most common in August — when nights tend to be a little cooler and the days are warm — it can stick around through October and travels hundreds of miles when the wind blows. In addition to ragweed pollen, mold and dust mites are two more culprits responsible for fall allergies. While we usually think of mold growing inside our homes in damp areas, it also thrives outside in wet spots, such as piles of damp leaves. And, when you initially turn your heat on in the fall, dust mites can be propelled into the air, causing allergies to kick into high gear. Some common allergy symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, itchy and irritated eyes, and dark circles under the eyes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, my best advice is to visit your doctor so they can find out for sure what’s causing them by investigating your medical history and possibly recommending a skin or blood test. The good news is, once you’ve been diagnosed with an allergy, there are many different treatment options available and ways to manage your symptoms. First, while it may be hard to do so on a beautiful autumn day, it’s best to stay inside with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak, usually in the late morning or middle of the day. You can check the pollen count in the Poconos on many of our local weather reports or online. Also, when preparing to turn on your heat for the first time, be sure to clean heating vents as trapped mold and dust mites will be pushed into the air as soon as you hit the “on” switch. In addition, a high efficiency particulate arresting filter used along with your heating system can help remove those nasty allergens from the air, and a dehumidifier can help keep the air in your home at less than 50 percent humidity. For people with mold allergies, I also recommend they wear a mask while raking leaves in order to prevent inhalation of any spores. If your doctor determines that medication is necessary, there are several available options for treating allergies. Steroid nasal sprays can reduce inhalation in the nose while antihistamines help prevent sneezing, itching and those annoying sniffles. Decongestants can help dry up mucus and relieve stuffiness, and allergy shots or pills can also be helpful as well. In addition to prescription medications, there are several over-the-counter treatments available that work quite well. However, it’s still important for you to talk with your doctor about these treatments since they know your medical history and what’s best for you. For example, patients with high blood pressure should not use some of these types of medications. And, many of these over-the-counter treatments should only be used for no more than a few days since taking them longer may actually cause more allergy problems for you.
is for allergies.
By talking to and working with your doctor and following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this beautiful, vibrant time of year in the Poconos.
Blakeslee Healthcare Center Now Open! •Primary Care •Orthopedics •X-Ray •Ultrasound Services •Outpatient Rehabilitation To schedule an appointment, please call 1-866-PMC-DOCS. EMS Powered By
Dr. David Testa, D.O. Family Medicine, Blakeslee Healthcare Center
positivePROGRESS August 2010Acquires 12-lead EKG PMREMS
checkout what’s news Pocono Medical Center always valued the 12 Lead EKG system that Pocono Mountain Regional (PMR) EMS has available on their units in service to your coverage area. The push for the county-wide 12 Lead EKG project came directly from John Kloss but the confidence in moving forward with it is truly because of the quality of care enhanced through our partnership with PMR. PMR was without question the catalyst for this positive development and that is exactly why we selected your team and crew to be a part of our special video. Thank you and your colleagues for continuing to achieve excellence in EMS services each and everyday! Geoffrey M. Roche, MPA Director, Public and Government Affairs
Pocono Medical Center
March 2016Acquires Lucas Device PMREMS
October 2016Registers on PMREMS
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on scene...where we’ve been Pocono Medical Center ER Grand Opening September 29
Tobyhanna Township Harvest Festival October 2
ESU’s Pink Light Walk October 6
Pocono Medical Center Blakeslee Opening October 12
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