Pa. Emergency Crews Get Exercise, Honors
May 22--Exeter Ambulance paramedic Eric Bates was breathing hard after wheeling his partner through an obstacle course that featured a mannequin in a wheelchair and an IV stand in the St. Joseph Medical Center parking lot.
His hospital stretcher made a loud thud as it collided with a litter from a competing ambulance crew.
"That was fun, but the litter is not as light as you think, even with a small partner," Bates said as he was trying to catch his breath.
The race was part of St. Joseph Regional Health Network's ongoing celebration of National Emergency Medical Services Week, which honors those who aid patients who need medical help before they enter the hospital.
Area EMS providers in teams of three raced their hospital litter in a "Door-to-Balloon" obstacle race, popping balloons at the end of the course. The "Door-to-Balloon" time refers to how long it takes a catheterization team to open a patient's artery after a heart attack once the patient has reached the hospital.
"Their personal sacrifice for the patients in the time before they arrive at the hospital is so important," said Chris Chamberlain, EMS liaison for St. Joseph. "We embrace the idea that it's a continuity of care from the field straight to the treatment" at the hospital.
On Tuesday, the hospital hosted a barbecue lunch for area EMS providers and recognized Fleetwood Ambulance first responders for their quick response in the treatment of a woman suffering a brain bleed in February.
"We're proud of the crew and the team that was there, and they did an excellent job," said Jesse Zerbe, Fleetwood EMS supervisor.
Bates said he enjoyed competing in the event, even though he and his partners -- Exeter emergency medical technicians Melody Kachel and Jerry Wary -- did not win their race.
"It's really nice to compete with the different crews a little bit," Bates said. "We run into each other on the streets, but the little bit of competition is really nice to mess around a bit."
Contact Matthew Nojiri: 610-371-5062 or mnojiri@readingeagle.com.
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