CentraState - Healthy Directions

PROFESSIONAL PRAISE FOR Emergency Care W hen 50-year-old Scott Climer of Point Pleasant suffered a heart attack, he, like many others, was caught by surprise. He had just stopped smoking, and he was an active, strong man who had taught self-defense courses. When the heart attack happened at work, Scott says it felt "like someone dropped a safe on my chest." He had been sweating and experiencing shortness of breath intermittently since the night before. Scott soon found himself in the Emergency Department at CentraState Medical Center. There, he discovered a level of crisp, calm expediency. As director of the Monmouth County Division of Juvenile Detention Alternatives, Scott recognizes the benefit of keeping a cool head while moving quickly. "The Emergency Department was very busy that day, " he remembers. "The team went through their checklists and procedures so fast, it was like a fine Swiss watch. I never had to answer a question twice." emergency physician Jennifer Waxler, DO, board-certified Jennifer Waxler, DO, board-certified emergency physician on staff at CentraState and medical director, MONOC Critical Care Ground Transport, recalls that day, too. "Scott suffered a STEMI, or ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a type of heart attack," Dr. Waxler says. "Even though he had stopped smoking, he had high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease, which are risk factors for heart attacks." In the ED, Thomas Rizzo, MD, cardiologist with Monmouth Cardiology Associates and on staff at CentraState, 12 November/December 2012 After prompt, effective treatment for a STEMI heart attack, Scott Climer is back to spending time with his wife, Donna, and boxer, Jack. oversaw Scott's treatment. Christine McArthur, RN, and her team gave Scott TNKase® , a thrombolytic, as well as a beta blocker and blood thinners. These interventions stabilized him for transport. CentraState was recently accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, and it's that level of care that earns accreditation, notes Dr. Waxler. "It's the ability to call the STEMI alert quickly and get the prompt response," she says. "You have to get in touch with a specialist immediately and make the decision whether or not to transport a patient." MOVING ON A month after his heart attack, Scott was already back at work and enjoying life with his wife, Donna, and his boxer, Jack. For more information about emergency services at CentraState, visit www.centrastate.com/emergency or call (866) CENTRA7 (866) 236-8727. HD Healthy Directions

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