JULY 2018
PMREMS newsletter
regionalresource
information & preparation I nformation and preparation is a positive combination in all practices. Applying that same planned situation where medical needs are concerned carries an even bigger value.
organizations including Lehigh Valley Health Network, Arrowhead Lake Community Association, and America Trauma Society Pennsylvania Division.
Sharing Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Service’s belief knowledge is power; incorporates facts from area
All are on a mission to bring you this summer edition of Regional Resources.
IN THIS EDITION 2 TECHNOLOGY To Save a Life
3 LVHN: PHYSICIAN POINTS Shingles Q&A
4 PLAYGROUND SAFETY Checklist for Guardians
5 Summer Time
Fun Time Facts
6 Step Up
Following Roundup
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save a life
technology to
t h e imp o r ta n c e o f c ar d ia c m o n i t o rs
C
ardiac Monitoring—the fundamental noninvasive Advanced Life Support skill frequently used in pre-hospital settings, screens a patient’s heart rhythm detecting potentially life-threatening changes. Integrated into cardiac/heart monitors are additional capabilities of 12-lead EKG (Electrocardiogram), defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, waveform capnography, and automatic blood pressure examination. As emergency medical practices become more evolved; equipment such as this enables professionals to provide immediate
enhanced life-saving service. When seconds count, information and preparation prove to be a positive combination. Using the 12-lead EKG as a diagnostic tool, displayed readings can be transmitted directly to the hospital alerting physicians before arrival and increasing chances of survival. While evolution is a progressive expectation, as the latest in stateof-the-art technology comes to be; it’s also inevitably a difficult obstacle to overcome for nonprofit emergency response organizations like Pocono Mountain Regional EMS. Faced with current Cardiac Monitors becoming obsolete in 2022, with no parts to be manufactured or
service performed, PMREMS is preparing to replace four machines not by choice but necessity. Each costing over $35,000.00; a community call-to-action comes with hope for positive reaction. With no contribution too great or too small, thanks in advance goes out to all who continue assisting our ambulance service in acquiring life-saving equipment and providing the most advanced pre-hospital care to the community we serve.
Donations* can be sent to 135 Tegawitha Drive, Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization serving Barrett, Coolbaugh, Paradise, Tobyhanna, and Tunkhannock townships in addition to the Borough of Mount Pocono plus providing support for surrounding areas. *Consult with your tax advisor regarding tax deductible donations.
Ask the Doctor
Shingles Q&A with Syed Zia, MD Shingles is a serious illness that some people who had chickenpox earlier in life can develop. Family medicine physician Syed Zia, MD, with LVPG Family Medicine–West End, explains more about shingles, who is at risk, what the symptoms are, and how shingles can be prevented.
of being unwell. Within one to two days, a rash of blisters appears on one side of the body in a band-like pattern. The trunk (chest, upper, or lower back) is usually affected by the shingles rash. The rash can also occur on the face. The pain of shingles can be mild or severe, and usually has a sharp, stabbing, or burning quality. 5. When should you see your LVPG family physician? See your LVPG provider as soon as you suspect shingles, especially if you’re 50 years or older, have a weakened immune system or if the rash is widespread and painful.
1. Who gets shingles? Shingles can occur in individuals of all ages who have had chickenpox. It is much 6. What are the treatment options for a more common in adults aged 50 years and older. Not person with shingles? There is no cure for shingles, everyone who has had chickenpox will develop shingles. but prompt treatment with antiviral medications like Valtrex 2. What other factors increase your chances (valacyclovir) or Zovirax (acyclovir) can speed up healing and reduce the chances of complications. of developing shingles? Shingles can occur in healthy adults. However, some people are at a higher risk of For severe pain associated with shingles, pain developing it because of a weakened immune system. The medications ranging from topical to oral are prescribed. immune system may be weakened by: 7. How long do shingles last? Shingles generally 1) Certain cancers or other diseases that interfere with a lasts between 2 to 6 weeks. normal immune response 2) Immune-suppressing medications used to treat certain 8. If children today are vaccinated against conditions chickenpox can they still get shingles in 3) Chemotherapy for cancer their lifetime? Chickenpox vaccine do contain a weak 4) Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) version of live virus, which can reactivate later in life and 3. How are shingles related to chickenpox? cause shingles, but this is very rare. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once someone recovers from 9. Is there a vaccine for shingles? Currently chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerves. It can two vaccines are available for protection from shingles, Zostavax and Shingrix. re-activate later to cause shingles. Zostavax was approved in 2006. It is a live vaccine, given as a single dose after 60 years of age. It has shown to offer 4. What are the symptoms and signs that someone might have shingles? Shingles usually protection against shingles for approximately five years. Shingrix was approved in 2017. It is a non-live vaccine begin with unusual sensations, such as itching, burning or made of a component of virus. It is given in two doses tingling in an area of skin on one side of the body. Some people develop a fever, headache or a generalized feeling with 2-6 months interval between doses. It has shown to provide protection beyond five years. It is recommended after 50 years and older including those who have previously received Zostavax vaccine. Syed Zia, MD, is board certified in family medicine. He is accepting new patients at LVPG Family Medicine–West End.
Playground Safety Checklist for Guardians Playgrounds are a place for children to have fun, but they also can put children at risk for a concussion. As a child’s guardian, you play a prominent role in keeping them safe on the playground. Use this checklist, provided by the American Trauma Society, PA Division (ATSPA) to ensure your child is safe on the playground.
The child is on age-appropriate equipment.
There should be a space for infants & toddlers (6-23 months), preschoolers (ages 2-5), and school age children (ages 5-12). Be sure your child plays on the proper equipment.
The playing surface has appropriate materials.
The play area should have sand, pea gravel, wood chips, shredded rubber, turf, or rubber surfacing that meets the depth requirement.
The playground equipment is the correct height.
Equipment should be below 8 feet for children ages 5-12.
The child is wearing appropriate clothing.
Children should wear closed-toe shoes while playing. Sweatshirts with drawstrings, scarves, or necklaces should not be worn on equipment.
An adult is present at the playground.
An adult should always be present at the playground when children are playing.
The playground is clean and in good shape.
The playground area should not have trash on the ground and the equipment should not have any broken parts.
For more information on how to keep your child safe on the playground, visit the National Program for Playground Safety website at: http://playgroundsafety.org/ This information was provided by the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA). The ATSPA is a non-profit organization committed to preventing traumatic injury and death through education. 2 Flowers Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 -- 717.766.1616 -- www.atspa.org -- atspa@atspa.org
Images and information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Program for Playground Safety.
Summer is Here! After the never ending Winter and rainy days of Spring, Summer is finally here! Here are some tips to keep you and your family in tip-top shape to enjoy the hot weather! 1. Hydrate! Drink plenty of water before, during and after physical activity to avoid dehydration. Plain water isn’t for you? Try a low low-calorie option by adding slices of your favorite fruits such as melon, oranges, berries, even cucumber or mint to a pitcher of water and refrigerating for two hours! 2. Protect Your Skin! Even though the sun is good for you, wear wide-brimmed hats, always apply water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outside in the direct sun.
3. Is is hot outside or what? On those scorching hot days when no relief is in sight, avoid intense activities between noon and 3 PM when the sun is at its strongest! Do those high intensive activities in the morning or in the afternoon and take a breather between 12-3 PM. 4. Dress for Success! Forget those sweaters and wool socks! Opt for lightweight and light colored clothing with light, breathable fabrics such as cotton. Also, remember to wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright rays of the sun!
5. And When All Else Fails? Sometimes it is just way TOO HOT! Try heading indoors when the heat is unbearable. Check out your local YMCA or rec center for activities like basketball, swimming, yoga or racquetball.
Arrowhead Lake Community Association wishes you and your family a very happy, healthy and fun-filled Summer!
ey Lehigh Vallwork Health NeHtE L P S B R IN G Y O U
kicking off
EFFORTS TO RAISE
145,000
$
HEART MONITORS FOR
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO
PARTICIPATE & HELP RAISE FUNDS TO REPLACE MONITORS SOON TO BE OBSOLETE IN
2022
CONTRIBUTIONS