Smith: Hopkins County EMS Receives American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition
Hopkins County EMS has earned the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS gold plus recognition, according to Hopkins County EMS Director of services Brent Smith.
The Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition program is “designed to showcase Emergency Medical Service organizations across the nation for excellent STEMI care,” according to the AHA website.
A STEMI is the term cardiologists use to describe a classic heart attack. It is one type of myocardial infarction in which a part of the heart muscle, the myocardium, has died due to the obstruction of blood supply to the area.
The AHA recognition is earned based on field data and tallies of certain patient reports and medical responses.
Hopkins County EMS has completed the required information to compete in the program since 2015; the data is based on the calendar year, with all data reflected in this award from calendar year 2018.
“This will be the third year in a row we’ve gotten gold plus award, which is the highest award. We got the Gold Award in 2016 and we got the silver award in 2015” said Brent Smith, director of Hopkins County EMS services.
For the award, the AHA looks at four core EMS measures. There are also four optional reporting measures in which EMS services can also submit data for AHA to consider, according to Smith.
One core measure is the percent of patients over 35 years of age who receive a 12-lead by EMS. This is how many people reporting chest pain are checked on a cardiac monitor using a 12-lead, Smith said.
Another asks the percent of patients with 12-leads that show a STEMI, “a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction,” was performed in the first 10 minutes on scene.
Smith said EMS has put procedures in place to speed up the process described in that core EMS measure.
Core value three asks the percent of patients who had a STEMI resolved in a Cath Lab within 90 minutes of first EMS contact. From the time EMS shows up on a call in which a patient is reported to have chest pain, and reports they are with the patient, that 90 minutes begins, Smith noted.
Hopkins County EMS received 95.28 percent on all three core measures the first quarter, and 100 percent the second, third and fourth quarters of 2018, Smith said.
“I am very proud of those statistics. That’s pretty rock solid across the measures,” he said.
He credited team effort, a lot of education and critical steps taken. He said the Cath Lab and ER staff too are to be credited for their roles as well.
“When we call a STEMI in the field, we notify the hospital as soon as we know about it. We transmit that 12-lead to the hospital so they can confirm. They activate the Cath Lab team and the doctor to come in, if they are not already here [at the hospital]. So, they’ve got to arrive here, the patient has to get here and everything has to flow, where they do everything – shave parts, stick needles in you, put the cath in you – and have it done within 90 minutes, and that’s from the time we arrive at your house. Sometimes, geography is against us, but I will tell you three of our STEMIs were out of Franklin County. That’s a lot of ground to cover in 90 minutes, to where you’re no longer losing a heart muscle because they crossed the legion in 90 minutes,” Smith explained.
In addition to the core EMS measures, there are also four optional reporting measures, added by AHA a year ago, which EMS services can also submit information on to count in their rating, Smith said.
Optional reporting measures are designed to “give insight into possible gaps in care that warrant a stronger focus as well as planning for future recognition measures,” according to AHA.
Hopkins County EMS only reported on two of the measures the first year, because the data was not at that time being captured in the EMS reporting system,. However, for 2018, the service reported on all measures. Not many do all optional measures, Smith noted.
For the first optional measure, percent of patients with suspected stroke with pre-hospital notification, HCEMS scores 25 percent. Smith said EMS personnel notifythe hospital of a “code stroke” just as they would for a STEMI. Then, upon arrival at the hospital, the doctor does a quick assessment and the patient is taken directly to CT, bypassing an ER bed. With the hospital moving to the stroke center certification, the hospital staff is “on the clock the whole time.”
Smith credited the lower rating on this measure is due largely to the fact that EMS personnel weren’t documenting when they called a code stroke that they notified the hospital. EMS notifies the hospital every time they are bringing a patient in, what they are being brought in for, the EMS services director reports.
On the second optional measure, percent of patients with suspected stroke with documented LKW (last known well time), EMS scored 86 percent. Smith said the results in this measure for 2019 will be 100 percent. That is now a mandatory part of EMS’ patient care reports; the form is set up so that the EMS worker can’t move past the scene on the form until they’ve documented last known well time, he explained.
On optional measure three, percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests with ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation), Hopkins County EMS scored 32 percent. The hearts of patients in this category had completely stopped and the patient was revived prior to arrival.
“That number is a little bit low. It goes back to our documentation of capturing that information. I pretty solid say we run more like 40 percent, but 32 percent is what I could back up with paperwork. Before we started with the LUCAS devices our 32 percent was hovering around 14 percent. That’s the difference those machines have really made,” Smith told the hospital board members
For optional measure four, percent of chest pain patients who received aspirin in the field, HCEMS rated 61 percent. Again, Smith cited documentation as contribution to this number. If a patient has already taken aspirin, it counts toward the measure, if documented. The EMS service’s documentation form did not ask the paramedic that question. The 61 percent reflects the number of all chest patients they responded to who received aspirin. He said he suspected some had already received aspirin, and EMS staff are now asking and documenting that too.
“We have some room to work on optional measures. I think the common denominator is documentation. But I feel very proud of what all the field staff are doing, with these measures as well,” Smith said.
Flags at Half-Staff Honoring the Victims of Virginia Beach
The flags at the Veterans Memorial and around the the community have been lowered in accordance with the proclamation below by the Hopkins County Marine Corps League.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Our Nation grieves with those affected by the tragic shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Americans unite in praying for God to comfort the injured and heal the wounded. May God be with the victims and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends. As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on May 31, 2019, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, June 4, 2019. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred forty-third.
DONALD J. TRUMP
City Council Will Consider Ordinance Regulating Scrap Tires At Local Shops At June 4 Meeting
Sulphur Springs City Council will be asked Tuesday, June 4, to consider approving an ordinance regulating scrap tires at local tire shops.
The ordinance would require tire shops to do three things: shield from public view scrap tires stockpiled at local tire shops prior to disposal and cover the stockpiles so rainwater does not build up inside the tire, and limit the number of tires a business can stockpile. Tires may be covered either by a building or tarp, according to Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell.
“We’ve gotten a few operations in town where the tires keep piling up and don’t seem to be going away. We’ve focused on one of them recently and got them gone. We think that it’d be nice if we had an ordinance that set out the rules, so everybody knows these are the rules you’ve got to play by,” Maxwell explained.
At issue is public health and safety, according to the city manger and Sulphur Springs City Councilman Jimmy Lucas.
The matter was first brought to city officials’ attention last summer, according to Lucas. A member of his family at the time reported a mosquito problem at the home of a patient she cared for. Lucas said he checked out the matter and discovered there were numerous old, scrap tires on the property of a tire shop neighboring the residence.
“The problem is mosquitoes. A coupe of these operations are right behind residences. We’re trying to put an end to that,” Maxwell said.
Lucas said large mosquito populations are a problem for all, and he is especially concerned for the elderly.
Lucas said the number tires too would be limited, and the area shielded from the public as a means to prevent stacks from falling on any child who might access the area.
The tire ordinance proposal is on the June 4 City Council agenda for discussion and possible action.
Complaint of Alcohol Consumption in Parking Lot Lead to Man With 3 Traffic Warrants
A complaint of alcohol consumption in Gilmer Street parking lot Friday night lead police to a man wanted on three traffic charges, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police were at location at 10:39 p.m. in reference to people drinking alcohol in the parking lot in the 600 block of Gilmer Street.
The officers, in arrest reports, said he encountered a 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man he knew to be wanted. He had dispatchers verify the outstanding charges, then took the man into custody on one warrant for failure to maintain financial responsibility and two warrants for no driver’s license, including one for third no DL offense, according to arrest reports.
Enloe Man Jailed On Second DWI Charge
An Enloe man caught the attention of a state trooper when he failed to stop the Chevrolet Tahoe he was driving at Main and Gilmer Street stop sign, and ended up going to jail just before midnight Friday for drunk driving.
While talking to the man, the Texas Department of Public Safety officer reported smelling alcohol on the man’s breath. The trooper also reported the man to have red eyes with dilated pupils.
The 38-year-old man allegedly admitted to he’d consumed a few alcoholic beverages prior to driving. He failed standard field sobriety tests and was taken to the county jail, where he tested 0.088 on an intoxilizer test, which is just over the legal 0.080 limit for blood-alcohol content, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, the Enloe man was taken into custody at about 11:39 p.m. May 31 and booked into the county jail for driving while intoxicated, marking the second time he’s been charged with DWI, according to arrest reports.
He had been released from the county jail Saturday afternoon, June 1, on $2,000 bond on the Class A misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
Bryant-Lacy Assessed 180-Day State Jail Commitment
Isaiah Deonte Bryant-Lacy, 22, of Sulphur Springs was taken into custody at 10:15 a.m. Friday at the courthouse after being sentenced to serve a 180-day state jail commitment, according to arrest and jail reports.
Bryant-Lacy was scheduled to appear in the 8th Judicial District Court May 31 for sentencing on two different charges: a May 19, 2016 possession with Intent to deliver less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance in a drug-free zone offense and a Sept. 2, 2017 money laundering in the amount of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 offense, according to court records.
I-30 Traffic Stop Results In Warrant Arrest
A routine traffic stop on Interstate 30 resulted in arrest of a wanted Farmers Branch woman.
Cumby Police reported stopping a Mazda 6 around 2:45 p.m. May 31 at the I-30 west rest area near Cumby after observing the gray car traveling 89 miles per hour in a 75 mph speed zone on I-30 west.
A routine records check using her driver’s license information revealed the driver, a 36-year-old Farmers Branch woman, to be wanted by Dallas County authorities on an outstanding driving under the influence warrant. Consequently, the woman was taken into custody and the car being impounded, according to arrest reports.
Dinner Bell Menu For June 5th, 2019
Christus Mother Frances Hospital is the Community Partner.
Can you believe it is already June and the official start of summer is coming soon?! This menu says summer is here already!
Oven Barbecued Chicken Thighs
Savory Creamed Corn
Fried Cabbage
Super Salad
Cornbread Muffins
Blueberry Mousse
Pears in Cherry Gelatin (the no added sugar dessert)
Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church). Hoping to see many happy faces at Dinner Bell!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Senior Citizens Center Offers Many Events For Residents Age 50 and Over
There are a lot of activities offered at and hosted by the Senior Citizens Center, including ongoing weekly activities as well as special monthly and annual events.
” This is a busy place. Come and reconnect with some old friends or meet some new ones. The coffee pot is always on complements of Guaranty Bank,” said Karon Weatherman, program and marketing director for the Senior Citizens Center.
Weatherman has provided the following guide to ensure those interested can be sure to pencil these events on their calendar so they don’t miss anything.
June special events
- Saturday, June 1, 6 p.m. — 2019 Ms Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant
- PM at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
- Monday, June 10, 1 p.m. — First Meeting of the “Bright Star Writing Group”
- Thursday, June 13th 1 p.m. — Pie and Coffee with Debbie Shelley Turning 65
- Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. — Summer 42 Tournament
July Special Events
- Thursday, July 11, 2 p.m. — 3rd Annual Ice Cream Freeze Off
- Saturday, July 27, 6 p.m. — Annual Senior Citizens Prom “Under The Big Top”
August Special Event
- Thursday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. — Senior Summer Olympics at The ROC
Weekly and Monthly Events
- Fit and Strong on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
- BINGO is every Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m.
- 42 is played every Wednesday and Friday at 12:30 p.m. They also play on the first Saturday at 1 p.m.
- Bridge is played at 12:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, and on the first and third Thursdays
- Painting Class is Every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
- Wreath making class is the third Monday at 1:30 p.m.
- Shawls of Love is the 4th Monday at 10 a.m.
- ACTS of Love is the 1st Monday at 11 a.m.
- LCR (Left Center Right) is the second Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
- BUNCO is the fourth Thursday at 1 p.m.
- Monthly Birthday Party is the fourth Friday at 10:45 a.m.
- Community Classroom is the first Friday at 10:45 a.m.
- Law School Lunch is once a Quarter on the second Monday of the month at 12 noon.
- Wahoo is played every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
- Line Dancing is the first and third Tuesday at 1 p.m.
- Bright Star Writing Group meets the second Monday at 1 p.m.
- Meal A Day is served Monday-Friday, 10-11:30 a.m. for $2 a plate
The Senior Citizens Center is located at 150 MLK Jr. Drive in Sulphur Springs, and is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. For additional information about these and other activities, stop by the center, call 903-885-1661 or send an email to [email protected], check out the Senior Citizens Center’s webpage.
Renaming of Jackson Street Would Honor J.D. Franklin
If city officials approve the proposal, Jackson Street could soon be renamed in honor of a local resident.
Sulphur Springs City Council members will be asked to consider a resolution allowing all or at least a section of Jackson Street to be renamed J.D. Franklin Street.
According to City Manager Marc Maxwell, Resolution No. 1168 is in answer to a community request. He said a citizen approached him and asked to rename the street in honor of J.D. Franklin, “a pillar of our community.”
Maxwell ask those interested in the change to circulate a petition among those along that street to gain their favor for the change, since they would be the ones most directly impacted by the name change. Maxwell said he was presented with a signed petition requesting the name change.
“Near as I can see, it’s signed by about everyone who lives on that street … to let us know the residents are in favor of it,” Maxwell said.
Sulphur Springs City Council is scheduled to discussion and consider taking action on Resolution No. 1168 renaming Jackson Street to J. D. Franklin Street during their regular June meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
