Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/66336
10 \ CONNECT your + health Welcome to the 911 "New" ER A trip to the Emergency Department (ED) is nothing you plan for. However, when the need arises for emergency care, you want to know you will receive efficient, quality care. At Cartersville Medical Center, delivering emergency care that meets or exceeds your expectations is a priority. To uphold our pledge, we've partnered with a new Emergency Department group—EmCare®. "EmCare is a nationally known and well respected emergency physician group with high quality physicians and nurse practitioners who have proven expertise in improving the patient experience," says Heather Clement, RN, CEN, Assistant Director, ER, Cartersville Medical Center. "Through our new partnership, ER physicians, nurses and hospitalists work as a collaborative team operating in the same area to provide the highest level of care." Making Improvements Together The Emergency Department staff at Cartersville Medical Center is committed to: Enhancing better communication among providers Evaluating ER performance on a more frequent, regular basis Improving ER flow Making staff more identifiable (currently, ER providers such as physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners wear green scrubs, while ER nurses and technicians wear blue scrubs) collaboration efforts, Cartersville Medical Center is scheduled to break ground on the construction of a brand new ER facility in October 2012, further solidifying our commitment to meeting community needs and enhancing patient care. In Trauma Room 1: Dr. Carlo Oller, Courtney Cannon, PCT, and Jordan Forsyth, RN Summer Safety Basics This summer, help avoid a trip to the Emergency Department by following these tips: HALT HEAT EXHAUSTION. Hydrate before, during and after being outdoors. Seek shade whenever possible, and take frequent breaks if performing rigorous activities. WEAR A HELMET. Whether biking, skating, scootering or skateboarding, always wear a properly fitted helmet. AVOID HOME IMPROVEMENT Researching and implementing best practices Shortening wait times "By making changes within our ER process, we've decreased wait times by more than half, and our patients who leave without receiving any care by 80%," says Carlo Oller, MD, Physician Director, ER, Cartersville Medical Center. "That was accomplished in the first month of our partnership. Imagine what improved quality metrics we can achieve within one year." Part of the enhanced patient care process is ensuring that all members of the ER team meet as a group to discuss each patient's care plan. "We know that better communication leads to better patient outcomes," says Dr. Oller. "Each ER patient will now experience more streamlined care because every provider involved with that patient's care meets as a team to discuss the best treatment options." In addition to new leadership and INJURIES. Check durability of tools and equipment before use. Ensure you have the proper gear and knowledge to execute a project and never attempt potentially dangerous activities alone, such as climbing onto the roof. PLAY IT SAFE IN THE WATER. Make certain children have adult supervision at all times when swimming. Avoid mixing alcohol with water sports, such as boating or jet skiing. Never dive headfirst into shallow or unfamiliar water. What Can You Do to Help Others in Emergency Situations? If you witness an emergency situation, call 911 immediately. Consider learning Basic Life Support skills (CPR); you could save a life! Remember that local blood banks rely on blood donations for patients. Give blood if you can! Scan this! need to MaKe a trip to the er? Check out wait times in advance by scanning this QR code with your smartphone or by visiting cartersvillemedical.com.