Health & Safety

Lenox Ambulance - We're There
Because We Care

Interested in taking a CPR or First Aid Class? Contact the director.

January 30, 2007 

            The holidays are over and winter has made its presence undeniable. Happy New Year to all from the Lenox Ambulance crew, and thank you for your support in 2007.

            The winter season brings us an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is the result of incomplete combustion of carbon based fuels. CO can come from propane or natural gas stoves, furnaces or water heaters, wood burning stoves, fireplaces, automobile exhaust, charcoal grills and cigarette smoke. The fumes from any combustible source should be considered a potential source of CO.  
            CO is the number one cause of accidental poisoning in the US and  most are caused by house fires, automobile fumes and improperly functioning heating and systems. CO poisoning is preventable by having all heating appliances checked at least once a year to make sure they are functioning properly and safely. Fireplaces and wood stove chimneys should be cleaned annually. Cars should not be left running in the garage, and gas grills, charcoal grills, gas powered appliances, such as a generator, should not be used inside. CO gas detectors are available and are similar to smoke detectors.

            CO displaces oxygen on red blood cells and prevents the delivery of oxygen to the cells. In other words, CO prevents the oxygen from being used by your body’s cells. The symptoms of CO poisoning is similar to other diseases such as influenza and is often hard to diagnose when there is no known exposure or other reason to suspect CO poisoning. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: malaise, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, weakness, fainting, confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
            Clues that will help you determine a case of CO poisoning include more than one sick person in the house, you feel sick at home but get better after you are away from home for a while, sick pets, or a peculiar odor in the air. If you suspect CO poisoning you should get out of the house and call 911!  

            People who succumb to CO poisoning more quickly than others include the very young and the very old, and people with heart or respiratory conditions. Pregnancy is a concern due to increased risk for the fetus. Anyone can have CO poisoning and it can become life threatening if undetected.

            Have a safe winter by practicing safe warming practices, getting your appliances checked, warm up vehicles outside only, and recognize signs of CO poisoning.

January 23, 2008

            During the winter months, when people get out of their homes less often, and viruses multiply rapidly, respiratory ailments, including the flu, are common. The most important thing you can do to help prevent the spread of disease is to wash your hands – often.

            We have been taught to cover our mouths when we cough, but if we use our hands, then everything we touch is potentially infectious to the next person who touches it. When covering your mouth, use your arm or shoulder, or a tissue.

            Wash your hands after sneezing, coughing, using a tissue and blowing your nose, after using the restroom, and of course, before handling any food. Wash your hands before holding babies, before preparing bottles and baby food, and after changing diapers. Teach children from an early age that it’s fun and healthy to wash their hands often.

            When you wash your hands, get the hands wet first, then soap up and scrub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse from the wrist downward. I teach my EMS students to sing the alphabet song while washing, or sing Happy Birthday through twice, and 20 seconds is up! Don’t forget to wash between the fingers, and both sides of the hand. The area around the thumb, and the back of the hand are often missed.
            Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet so you don’t re-expose yourself to the germs. Paper towels are more sanitary than cloth towels, but if you do use cloth towels, change them daily.

             Hand gel with alcohol comes in little purse or pocket sizes and is a good substitute for running water and soap when a sink isn’t nearby.

            If you suffer from dry, chapped hands, they are more susceptible to germs (as well as painful), so keep some good hand cream close by, too, and use often. Don’t forget the lip balm to keep your lips from chapping and protect them from the wind and sun that reflects off of the snow. Healthy lips are less susceptible to germs, too.

 January 16, 2008

            Being outside in the cold can be dangerous, so be prepared if you must travel or be outside. Once the body starts to lose heat, shivering begins. In mild situations, this helps the body regain its lost heat. If the loss of body heat continues and body temperatures drop below 95°, shivering will become more violent, the person’s movements become clumsy and speech becomes slow. At this stage, the victim may still seem to be alert.

            Hypothermia makes a person at higher risk for frostbite, as the blood vessels in the lips, earlobes, fingertips and toes contract to bring warmth to vital internal organs. Left untreated, hypothermia becomes severe and may result in death when body temperature drops below 86°. Victims will experience lethargy, unconsciousness, seizures and even cardiac arrest. The elderly and very young are most susceptible to cold related emergencies as the heat-regulatory mechanisms are not functioning at highest levels.

            If you must be outside, limit your exposure to the cold by limiting your exposure to times when the sun is at its strongest. Wear a hat, as 30-40% of the body’s heat loss comes from the head.  Ears and fingertips as well as noses are extremely susceptible to frost nip and frost bite.

            Frostnip usually affects areas that are exposed to the cold, such as the cheeks, nose, ears, fingers, and toes, leaving them white and numb. Frostnip is self correcting when the area is re-warmed, however left untreated, frostnip can quickly lead to frostbite.

            Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue. It usually involves just the skin, but it can go deeper - and must be handled very carefully in order to prevent permanent tissue damage or loss. Children are at greater risk for frostbite than adults, both because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly than adults and because they may be reluctant to leave their winter fun to go inside and warm up. You can prevent frostbite in cold weather by dressing in layers, staying aware of your surroundings and going indoors at regular intervals as well as watching for frostnip, frostbite's early warning signal. Frostbite is a true emergency and must be treated by a physician in an emergency department. The part should not be re-warmed without first seeking medical attention.

January 9, 2008

            While the snow makes for a beautiful winter wonderland, it can also bring some dangers when trying to get it out of our way.  If you've ever had a heart attack, if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, you probably don't want to do the shoveling yourself.  Like starting a new exercise program, you should consult your doctor before attempting it.

            When you do decide to shovel, stretch and warm up first, then don’t work to the point of exhaustion. Know your limitations. Don’t over exert yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Consider hiring one of the energetic young people in your neighborhood to do your shoveling.  If you become short of breath, have difficulty breathing or feel tightness or discomfort in your chest, stop immediately! Call 911 if the symptoms persist more than a few minutes; otherwise, contact your doctor.

            Even though you get warm with exercise, you still need to dress warmly. Wear several light layers with a waterproof outer layer. Keep the extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, covered to prevent frostnip or frostbite. In extremely cold temperatures, skin can begin to freeze within seconds or minutes.  Wearing a hat can help prevent a large amount of heat loss, and wearing a cover over your nose and mouth will help prevent you from breathing in directly the freezing cold air.

            Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Contrary to popular belief alcohol does not warm the body. In fact it has an opposite effect by causing the blood vessels to enlarge and decreasing the body’s natural insulating properties. It also impairs judgment and suppresses shivering. Shivering is the body’s way of producing warmth and it is your clue that you are becoming hypothermic. If you continue to lose body heat, more serious stages of hypothermia will result. More information on hypothermia will be presented next week. Until then, stay safe and warm.

Nov. 7, 2007 

            With the arrival of November, we have to face the fact that winter is just around the corner. November is a good time to assemble an emergency preparedness kit for your vehicle so that if you should have car trouble you can stay safe and warm. Many people get caught in the cold unexpectedly, and risk frostbite, hypothermia, and other conditions that are avoidable with a little preparation.

            Items to assemble into your preparedness kit should include blankets, extra pairs of socks, a first aid kit, booster cables, a collapsible shovel, sand or kitty litter, snacks such as trail mix or granola bars, sealed in plastic bags, a compass, and a flashlight (the type that doesn’t need batteries is great for the car). You should also carry a bright colored piece of cloth, red, orange or bright blue, that you can tie to your car so you will be seen in the snow if you get stranded.

            You should take your cell phone, bottled water, warm gloves, coat, boots and a hat with you on even short road trips. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle, call for help, and after assuring your exhaust is not blocked, run the vehicle for 10 minutes every hour to help keep you warm until help arrives. It is almost always safer to stay with your vehicle rather than try to walk for help, especially in blowing snow.

            That first winter snow and ice is bound to happen, so when it does, remember to slow down and increase your following distance behind cards ahead of you. Wear your seatbelt, and heed the warnings of poor road conditions, staying off bad roads whenever possible. A helpful website for road conditions is www.iowaroadconditions.org and it is updated frequently to reflect current conditions.

 Nov. 14, 2007

            Last week emergency preparedness for winter driving was discussed, and a first aid kit was among the items suggested for your emergency preparedness kit. This week items useful in a first aid kit will be discussed.

            A first aid kit for your vehicle is utilized differently than a home first aid kit, so many of the items will vary for each type of kit. For your vehicle, a first aid kit should help you be prepared to “start the breathing and stop the bleeding.” Your kit should contain dressings for wounds in 4 X 4 and larger sizes, roller gauze, scissors, first aid tape, triangular bandages (or large handkerchiefs), protective gloves and a mouth barrier. Blankets, such as the mylar blankets found in hunting or camping supplies, take up very little room and can be very useful. Band-aids of various sizes and antiseptic wipes can be added, especially if you have kids.

            Remember that some supplies will freeze in the winter and get too hot in the summer, such as batteries in flashlights, alcohol based hand gel, water, disposable cold and hot packs, and antibiotic creams. If you already carry a kit in your car, check to see if the items are still in good shape, within expiration dates, and in the quantities you mean to have.

            Talk to any of the Lenox Ambulance EMTs for more information, or with questions regarding any of these items.

Sept. 12

            This week’s article will address several recent questions about the Lenox Ambulance Service, asked by various citizens. Topics are donations, billing for tiered responses, and run volume.

            Donations and funds from Lenox Ambulance fundraisers go into a savings account for the service. This savings account is used for educational expenses of new EMTs and continuing education of present personnel, and is also a savings fund for ambulance vehicle replacement – something we must continuously plan for. While the savings account is accounted for in the city’s funds, it is used and available only for the ambulance department. Anyone making a donation can rest assured that their financial support is going to the intended recipient. Donations can also be designated for use in a specific way, such as for uniforms, pediatric equipment, or other items.

            A billing question was presented regarding responses that involve a tier with another service. When a basic level service requests a response from a paramedic level service and the two ambulances meet en route to the hospital so that a paramedic can board the basic ambulance and provide advanced care for the remainder of the trip, this is called a tier. In this situation, the transporting service will complete the billing process and will reimburse the paramedic service according to their agreement. In fiscal year 2007, Lenox Ambulance tiered with paramedics 23 times.

            In fiscal year 2007, Lenox Ambulance Service made 174 responses and treated 152 patients. There were 22 times that the service was on stand-by for either fires or events such as football games and rodeo activities. Of the 152 patients treated, 105 were medical patients (illness) and the remaining 47 were trauma patients (injured). Accidental falls were the most common cause of injury, while motor vehicle accidents were second. Response was made to Lenox addresses 85% of the time, while Clearfield and Sharpsburg calls accounted for 7% and 6% respectively. Patients aged 0-14 accounted for 6 runs; ages 15-19, 10 runs; ages 20-30, 18 runs; ages 30-60, 27 runs, and there were 90 calls for patients over the age of 60.

 Sept. 5  

            Next week everyone across the country will be remembering a day that will always stand out in history – 9/11. There are some events that are so significant that we can recall exactly where we were and what we were doing when we “heard the news.” Even though I was only three years old, I remember the continuous TV coverage when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I remember the morning we were watching the space shuttle launch, but instead of going into space it exploded. And while there are other events that bring back vivid memories, the attacks on our country on 9/11/01 have likely  had the biggest impact on our everyday lives.

            We are impacted daily as our country continues at war in Iraq, and with the persisting news items that remind us that our country was unprotected, even though intelligence agencies should have recognized the signs that an attack was impending. Travelers are reminded daily in the airports that security has a higher priority than ever before, and everyone who visits a gas pump has to wonder why those prices are really so high.

            For emergency responders – EMS, fire, law, and others – our operations have been impacted by 9/11 in several ways. When I was first an EMT, EMS providers were required to take EMT and CPR training, infection control prevention classes, and child abuse reporting requirements training. Now the list is much longer. After an EMT completes his or her initial education, all of the extra classes begin.

            In addition to their initial training, EMS providers are to complete classes in NIMS (National Incident Management System), ICS (Incident Command System), Hazardous Materials Awareness, Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness, Emergency Response to Terrorism, Mandatory Reporting for Child and Dependent Adult Abuse, Bloodborne Pathogens (Infection Control), START and Jump START (method of sorting multiple victims to prioritize care), and an emergency driving course. These are the courses for entry-level EMS providers, and more classes are required for management levels.

            Fortunately, many of the classes can be completed via the internet, and several are a one-time class, which helps ease the scheduling problems in getting to all the required classes, and some will count toward the EMS provider’s continuing education requirements. Paid providers usually receive training “on the clock” but volunteers who willingly join an EMS service, then obtain and maintain the additional training are giving their personal time to do so. You may wonder why anyone would do this. You Lenox Ambulance volunteers demonstrate what Americans are like – we really are “there because we care.”

            On 9/11, hundreds of emergency responders were there not just because it was their job; they were there because they care. They were rushing into the buildings while others were rushing out. I felt helpless as I watched, feeling like I should be there to help. The country mourned the loss of hundreds of the responders, as well as the civilians who were innocent targets of terrorism, and now, as the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, we remember them.

            Remembering helps us realize the sacrifice of those who serve the public, the importance of all of those extra classes, the extra security at the airports, and why we all need to do our part to protect our country.

August 2007 

It’s hard to believe that it is already August and both the State Fair and school are just around the corner. As you shop for those essential back-to-school items, here are some safety tips for the youngsters.

            Backpacks should fit the child without loose straps that could cause a tripping hazard, get caught in a bicycle wheel, or a school bus door. Even clothing items with drawstrings – especially those in the hood and neck of outerwear and sweatshirts, can be hazardous on a bicycle and on playground equipment.

When riding a bicycle or skateboarding to school, a helmet should be worn, and rules of the road should be reviewed with the rider prior to letting him ride solo to school. A practice ride or two prior to school starting would be a good idea, especially for new bicyclists. If you need assistance with fitting a helmet, contact one of the local EMTs and we will arrange to help you with proper fit and use.

For students taking their lunch to school, be sure to include an ice pack that will keep perishable food chilled until lunchtime. Millions of people become ill from food poisoning each year, and while most of these illnesses are short-lived bouts of nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, some people become seriously ill. Sandwiches with mayonnaise, leftover meat products, and milk, eggs and dairy products are foods that need good refrigeration. Fruits and vegetables are great additions to the lunchbox, but should be washed prior to packing. Before school is in session, pack a lunch for yourself and see if the cold pack maintains a cool temperature until lunchtime. If it does, then you should be able to trust that your child will enjoy a safe lunch, too.

Since many of you will be enjoying the fair this month, remember to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids, use sunscreen, prepare for temperature changes and precipitation, and wear your seatbelt when traveling.  
 

Week of June 18, 2007 

            With July just around the corner, and warm temps and humidity here for the summer, it’s time to think about summer health and safety issues like boating safety, the use of sunscreen and bug repellant, and staying hydrated when out in the heat.

            We know that approved personal flotation devices, commonly referred to as life jackets, are required in all boats for the number of passengers on board. These devices are only useful if they are worn, and if an accident occurs the chances of your life jacket landing in the water beside you are slim. Even if you are conscious and able to get to your life jacket, putting it on while in the water is difficult. Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat, even if unconscious and injured, but also could help you be able to help others who may be hurt.

            By now, many readers will have suffered through their first sunburn of the season. Now is a good time to toss some sunscreen into your beach or pool bag, and set a bottle near your door so that you don’t forget to apply it before going outside for those summer activities. Take a bottle to your next picnic and set out for your guests to use. Be sure that children are well protected, and learn the habit early that sunscreen is a must.

            Bug repellant with DEET is the best protection against ticks, which are plentiful this year anywhere there is grass or trees. There have been articles recently in the Time Table about Lyme Disease, which is caused by the bite of a tick, and using DEET can help prevent those potentially disease-causing tick bites, as well as bites from other insects. There are now lotions that combine sunscreen and DEET, to offer that double protection, but studies are showing that this combination lessens the effectiveness of the DEET. Applying the two separately, about 15 minutes apart, is best.

            Finally, remember that it is easy to become dehydrated when involved in outdoor activities. Replenishing the fluids lost through sweating is essential, so drink plenty of water, or alternate water with sports drinks, to stay hydrated. Soft drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks can increase dehydration, so avoid these as your only fluid intake. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as weakness, cool skin, nausea, and heavy sweating, and get out of the heat and humidity as you increase your fluid intake. If a person is confused, or becomes hot, and stops sweating, body temperature can become dangerously high, creating a life-threatening situation and the need to call 911.

            These are just a few of the safety tips you should follow to have a healthy and safe summer. For more tips, you can visit the American Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/sumsafety/        

Week of May 14  

            EMS Week is May 20-26 and this year’s theme is EMS – Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service. The Lenox Ambulance Service has several activities planned, beginning with an open house at the Ambulance Station Sunday, May 20, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Crew members will check blood pressures, display and demonstrate some of the equipment carried on the ambulances, and provide refreshments. There will be door prizes and take-home information on many topics provided by the ambulance service, and area agencies and hospitals. At 2 p.m. there will be a short program of introductions and recognition, and the winners of the coloring contest will be awarded prizes.

            On Monday and Tuesday the EMTs will be at the elementary school, conducting a bicycle rodeo for 1^st graders on Monday and 4^th graders on Tuesday, with students being asked to bring their own bicycles to school if possible. Bicycles will be provided for students without a bike there and each student will receive a free bicycle helmet. The other elementary grades will have the opportunity to look through the ambulances and learn some summer safety tips. Coloring books, sponsored by Michael Foods, will be distributed to the elementary students, and focus on EMS Volunteers – Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

            One program the Lenox Ambulance is promoting is I.C.E. – In Case of Emergency. To do this, enter the word ICE in the contact list of your phone, with the number of the person who should be contacted in the event that you have an emergency and are unable to give rescue personnel the information that is needed. You can enter more than one number by entering ICE1, ICE2, etc., and can also personalize the entry with a name. For example, my entries are ICE1 Richard spouse, and ICE2 Brandy daughter. Emergency personnel across the country – in fact, in other countries as well – are trained to check a patient’s cell phone for an ICE number. To help rescue personnel know if you have an ICE number listed, it is suggested that you put an ICE sticker on your phone, and these will be available at the open house May 20.

            All week you will notice pictures that the elementary and preschool students colored for the coloring contest are displayed around town. We appreciate all of the enthusiasm of the students, and the cooperation of the school as we work to teach injury prevention tips to the youth. We enjoyed having the Precious People Preschoolers come to the ambulance station for a visit and get the chance to see the inside of the ambulances, touch and play with some of the equipment, and even strap each other down on the backboard.

We hope to see many of you at our Open House on Sunday.

May 7  

            Accidental falls are one of the most common causes of injury that results in ambulance transport and hospitalization, especially for older Iowans. There are many causes of those falls, and many ways to reduce the risk of falling.

            As we age, our sensory and motor skills tend to slow down, including vision, balance, and reflexes. It is important that rails are available on stairs, in bathtubs and showers, even down long hallways. Nightlights are helpful for those nighttime treks down the hall, as the bright lights don’t need to be turned on, but a person can still avoid any unexpected obstructions. Throw rugs are a hazard, causing falls due to tripping, and should be used only if they will not move or wrinkle up, and if they lay flat enough on the floor that toes or a cane or walker will not catch on them. Non-slip strips, or other shapes, should be applied to tubs and shower floors to help prevent slipping on the wet surface. Storing items where you can reach them without a stepstool is also wise.

            Falls can also occur when a person has a medical condition and becomes dizzy or weak. Sometimes this occurs when standing from a sitting or laying down position; if it does, move slowly, and if getting up from laying down, sit briefly prior to standing up. If you haven’t discussed this with your physician, you should mention these dizzy or weak spells, as there could be a treatable medical condition that is causing this reaction. Some medications can cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, which is most likely beneficial to the person’s condition, but these medications can also increase the time that it takes for the body to adjust to some activities.

            One of the more serious causes of falls is stroke, blockage or bleeding of an artery in the brain. When blood flow doesn’t get to an area of the brain, the person may have a sudden inability to use one side of the body, and a fall may occur. Other medical conditions, such as low blood sugar, illness, and inner ear disturbances, can cause falls.             Emergency personnel are trained to look for causes of a fall as well as treat any injuries that may have occurred, and are the eyes for the doctor in the emergency room who was not at the scene of the fall. By observing for possible causes, suggestions for decreasing the risk factors may help the person avoid future falls.

March 27 issue 

            A common question from the public is, “Why does another ambulance service sometimes arrive to transport a patient from Lenox?” The answer to that question is that there a very limited number of EMT’s available to take calls during the weekdays. The ambulance service has an arrangement with the area hospitals to help cover emergency calls when an EMT is not available locally. The dispatchers at the Taylor County Sheriff’s office have the call schedule and know when to dispatch another service. Fortunately, there are several students in an EMT class that should be certified in early summer, and this may help alleviate the weekday shortage. The goal of the Lenox Ambulance Service is to have a crew available 24/7/365. 

Many people have asked why another ambulance sometimes meet the Lenox Ambulance while it is on the way to the hospital with a patient, and if that costs the patient more? The reason this occurs is that sometimes the patient needs advanced care from Paramedics that is not available from the Lenox service. In this case, a Paramedic service meets the ambulance en route, then the paramedic will bring his/her equipment on board the Lenox ambulance and provide advanced care to the patient for the rest of the trip to the hospital. This is called a “tier.”  The patient receives a bill at the regular rates for the transporting service only, and the transporting service pays a fee to the tiering agency.

 March 20 issue 

            The Lenox Ambulance Service is happy to have this opportunity to share with the community some of the answers to questions we hear frequently, and to keep the public informed about the activities of the Service. Thank you, Lenox Time Table. 

            Citizens often ask, “Why does a police officer respond when the ambulance is called?” The ambulance crew would respond that police officers have training in responding to emergencies, and are able to provide both care to the patient and information to the responding ambulance crew prior to ambulance arrival. The ambulance crew appreciates having the extra set of hands, lifting help, scene security when needed, and other assistance from the PD.

             An exciting announcement this week is that the Lenox Police Department has received a matching funds grant to place AED’s (automatic external defibrillators) in their cars. The other half of the funds will come from the sales tax option fund for public safety. Having AED’s in their vehicles means that the police officers, who often arrive at an emergency scene before the ambulance, can provide both basic life support and shocks to the heart when indicated, for a patient whose heart has stopped. The ambulance service is working with the PD to provide the necessary training, and get the program in place for the officers. This should be completed and program running by March 22.

             Lenox is fortunate that AED’s have been placed in the school, at the Light Plant, City Hall, and other locations, to better be able to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the shortest amount of time possible. The time factor is very important if the AED is to be beneficial. While it is not always successful, if an AED is applied within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, and CPR has been initiated prior to that, the victim has a much better chance of survival – up to 70% in some studies.

             AED’s are located in many public areas and in most situations, anyone who is at the scene of a SCA has access to the AED. The public is encouraged to take a CPR class that includes the use of an AED, but even someone with very little training will find an AED easy to use as it talks to the operator and tells him or her what to do – and, it won’t shock someone who shouldn’t be shocked.

            People are sometimes surprised to hear that not everyone is good about yielding to red lights and siren. As a reminder, when you are meeting an emergency vehicle with lights flashing, or when an emergency vehicle with lights flashing is approaching your vehicle from the rear, you should stay calm, and safely pull to the right. If the shoulder does not allow you to pull completely off of the road, pull as far to the right as you safely can – preferable not at the crest of a hill. Also, avoid the reflex of hitting your brakes when you see the lights. Braking suddenly with a vehicle behind you can cause an accident. Here are some other tips to avoid having an accident with an emergency vehicle:

            *If you are following an ambulance that is transporting a family member to the hospital, do not follow too closely or use your hazard flashers. Obey the speed limits and traffic laws so that you will arrive at the hospital safely to be with your family member.             *Intersections controlled by lights are the most common location of accidents involving emergency vehicles. Pay attention to the traffic flow from all directions. If the light is green and other vehicles aren’t moving that could mean they are yielding to red lights. Rather than rushing past them, be observant. Also realize that there are sometimes more than one emergency vehicle going through an intersection.

            *Resist the urge to follow emergency vehicles to see what they are responding to. Fire, ambulance and law enforcement is often dispatched to accidents, fires, and other emergencies. Extra vehicles and bystanders can hinder the response and result in an increased risk of injury to both bystanders and responders.

            *Frequently check your mirrors when driving so that you will see emergency vehicles approaching in plenty of time to be able to safely pull to the right. Avoid swerving suddenly or stopping suddenly directly in front of any vehicle.

April 10

            Spring is here, despite the snow flurries we had in the past few days, and the kids are more active outdoors. Everyone should be more cautious as they drive, watching for youth walking and riding bicycles. Our eyes are in the habit of noticing other vehicles, but if we aren’t paying attention, we could miss smaller objects such as bikes and children. In addition, the motorcycles are being pulled out of the garages, and the tractors are getting back on the road to the fields, so we need to be watching for them to be sharing the roads with us again.

            If you are the driver of the tractors or other farm machinery, remember that the white lights on the back of the tractor are for field use, and not highway use. These white lights can cause a driver coming up behind you to mistake your tractor for an approaching vehicle in the other lane. By the time they realize they are not meeting a vehicle, but approaching a tractor from behind, it could be too late. Use the yellow lights and be sure to have the “slow vehicle” signs prominently placed on the tractor for your safety and for the safety of others on the road.

            While a little chilly for a motorcycle right now, it won’t be long before the two-wheel vehicles will lure their owners out on the highways and streets. Since head injuries are the leading cause of death and permanent disability resulting from motorcycle crashes, wearing a helmet is an important safety issue. Of course it may be more fun to feel the wind in your hair, and the bugs in your teeth, but it’s even more fun to arrive at your destination safely.

            Parents are encouraged to remind their children who ride bicycles of the traffic laws they need to follow. Remind them to stop at all stop signs, look both ways twice before crossing an intersection, and wear their bicycle helmets. The Lenox Ambulance crew will be teaching first and fourth graders about bicycle safety during EMS Week in May, and will be providing a helmet to each child in those grades. We also plan to make this an annual event. Watch future articles for more of our plans for EMS Week, May 20-26.

      
April 17  

          If you have seen the ambulance go down the street recently you may have noticed some new faces. Five EMT students who are in the class of nine people taking the EMT-Basic course at the Lenox Ambulance Station Monday and Thursday nights are planning to volunteer on the Lenox Service after their certification. As part of their training, they are riding along as students for observation and practice, not only in Lenox, but in other towns as well. The students are given a wide variety of choices to complete their field requirements in, plus a list of hospitals where they can complete clinical hours in the emergency room.

          People often want to know what a person has to do to become an EMT. First, State prerequisites, such as being at least 17 and having CPR training, must be met. Once enrolled in a class, the students must successfully complete 120 hours in the classroom, where they practice on each other, manikins, and other EMS personnel, and at least 36 hours of field/clinical time where they help to care for at least 15 actual patients. Then the students will be eligible for their skills and written certification exams. If the student passes the exams and the criminal background check by the State Department of Health, an EMT card is issued.

                  The present class will be finishing the classroom portion of the course in May and will test in June. Adding five EMTs to the present roster is exciting and we anxiously await their success. These students also recently completed the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course), as did other members of the ambulance crew. The course consisted of four classroom hours and then a driving practice session.

                  This spring continues to be full of activity for the ambulance service as we prepare for EMS week, our visit to the elementary school, and a coloring contest. We will be starting the week with an open house at the ambulance station on May 20, which you will hear more about in upcoming weeks.

April 24  

                  As most people realize, medical charges, Medicare and private insurance can be confusing; ambulance services are no exception. The following are some general guidelines that will briefly describe the very complicated rules that determine what many insurance companies will cover. For specific information concerning what your insurance policy covers you are urged to contact your insurance agency or plan administrator.
                  In general, insurance companies, including Medicare, will pay for emergency ambulance service that includes transport to local hospital emergency department when considered to be medically necessary.  In general, it does not include transport to doctors’ offices, out-patient facilities, or hospitals outside the immediate service area (unless being transferred to a higher level of care from a local hospital).

                  The key term in the previous paragraph is “medically necessary.” In general, medical necessity occurs when transport by other means would be detrimental to the patient’s immediate health status. Examples of this would be a patient with chest pain who may possibly be having a heart attack, a patient with difficulty breathing, or a patient who may have spinal injuries, severe bleeding, or a fractured hip. Of course, the possibilities include many situations in addition to the ones listed..

                  In most cases, non-emergency transport is not covered, but there may be times when a physician’s certification stating that the patient must be transferred by ambulance will adequately show why the non-emergency transport by ambulance was medically necessary. A non-emergency transfer, such as transport to a nursing home after being discharged from the hospital, may be covered if the patient is not able to sit safely unattended during a transport in a van or other vehicle. Utilizing an ambulance because of the lack of other transportation when it would be appropriate is considered a “convenience” and is not covered.

                  Most ambulances, including Lenox Ambulance, charge a fee when a patient is assessed or treated, but not transported. Insurance and Medicare do not usually cover this charge and the patient would be responsible for the charges incurred. Citizen assist calls, such as when a bystander calls an ambulance for someone in a vehicle crash, or who has fallen, and then the patient denies the need for treatment or transport, are not billed, as the patient did not request the assistance. Concerns over payment should never prevent someone from calling 911 if they suspect the possibility that an ambulance could be needed.

                  It used to be that as EMTs, we simply took care of people – respond, assess, treat, transport, and record. Even though we now have the paperwork required by Federal and State laws to complete and signatures to obtain, patient care still comes first and will not be compromised due to paperwork. It is planned to have some printed information about ambulance benefits and medical necessity available at our open house in May.

May 1 

            It is hard to believe it is already May, and we certainly can’t go by the weather – snow two weeks ago, and temps in the 80s now. Activities are telling us it’s spring, though, with graduation celebrations, end-of-year school events, and baseball and softball games right around the corner. This week I share a friendly reminder to those attending events at the ball field, rodeo grounds, and depot, to be sure to avoid parking in the lot to the north of the fire/ambulance station. This area is reserved for emergency personnel, and since we never know when a call will come in, or how many personnel will need to respond to a call, please resist the urge to park in that area. Those who can’t resist may find themselves blocked in by emergency responders’ vehicles, or worse – ticketed for parking there.