with Dr. Arun Chhabra

What can you tell us about a recent EMS-related case that was a success? Was there a medic who made a difference?

We recently had a case where the EMS provider called a pre-alert on a stroke patient, and because they did that, we were able to give them tPA and then a thrombectomy much sooner. As a result, the patient left the hospital able to walk and talk when they weren’t able to do that when they arrived.

05

What’s your favorite food?

A

I love Thai food. I grew up in the Thai culture as my parents were from Thailand and immigrated to the U.S. in the ’70s. I learned many Thai dishes from my mother, but my favorite one to cook is basil chicken!

06

What’s something you want people to know about you?

A Although I am new to this area, I have already had a commitment to improving the quality of its stroke care for the patients of our community.

I tend to be pretty serious about stroke care, especially when determining life-changing decisions for patients, but underneath I am a fun-loving person who enjoys spending time with my family and also improving the stroke care in the Southeast Houston area.

Michael Monnat, a paramedic and shift supervisor, poses with Manikin Annie, a training mannequin. Monnat is part of the Combined Agency Response Team for Alvin, League City, Friendswood and Pearland that deals with high-risk situations.

EMS Alvin welcomes visitors at open house

Alvin Emergency Medical Services and the Alvin Volunteer Fire Department hosted a joint open house in October. Alvin EMS medics talked to visitors and neighbors about their jobs, preparing for emergencies and easing anxiety for an ambulance ride.

Atascocita VFD EMS

In September, Atascocita VFD EMS participated in a NICU evacuation exercise at John Sealy Hospital on the UTMB Health Galveston Campus.

These first responders from Galveston County Emergency Services District No. 2 take a break after filming a video with PHI.

Coming up in the next issue:

We are working on features about how much we appreciate all the EMS agecies and medics in our area. We’ll have a story about a Santa Fe medic who had a heart attack and found himself in the emergency room. We’ll show you medics practicing skills at the Health Education Center on the UTMB Health Galveston Campus.

What do you appreciate about your fellow EMTs, parmedics and EMS agency bosses?