Pa. Hospital`s Wellness Lessons Target EMS Workers

Her blood pressure crept up. Her weight was out of control, and even though she loved her job, Theraine Ransome knew she needed to make some major lifestyle changes to continue working and, frankly, living.

A Pittsburgh paramedic, Ransome, 52, spent too much time in her vehicle from call to call, grabbing fast food on the go and shunning exercise because she thought she didn't have the time.

With a family history of heart disease and diabetes, Ransome hit her breaking point when she stepped on a scale. It read 275 pounds.

“In my line of work, there are long hours, and we are always on the run,” she said. “We take care of everybody but ourselves.”

Ransome took some initiative: She hired a personal trainer, bought a Fitbit fitness tracker, consulted a nutritionist and set a weight goal. She has lost 50 pounds in 15 months.Her newfound commitment to fitness catalyzed a new program by Allegheny Health Network called Mission Wellness, designed to promote health among emergency medical workers.

Statistics from AHN indicate they need help. A 2015 local sampling of EMS workers showed that 44 percent are pre-hypertensive; 38 percent are pre-diabetic; 67 percent have moderate-risk to high-risk levels of cholesterol; and 45 percent have high-risk or very high-risk triglyceride levels. Another study indicated that 75 percent of EMS recruits are obese or overweight.

Through a $97,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation, AHN has room to sign up as many as 350 EMS workers in Western Pennsylvania for what they hope will be life-changing fitness programs. Each participant gets a Fitbit to help monitor exercise activity. The program uses health coaches to help EMS personnel improve their nutrition, fitness and mental well-being.

“Paramedics and EMTs historically put everybody before them,” said Robert Twaddle, director of AHN's Prehospital Care Services. “It's about time somebody focuses on their health and well-being. We need to help keep them healthy and happy and able to live a long and healthier lifestyle.”

Designated health and wellness champions such as Ransome will be participants' points of contact to help them maintain enthusiasm. The program includes EMS-oriented cookbooks with tips on quick meal preparation.

“A lot of us still work in the field. We're dealing with the same issues,” said Kate Lambert, a prehospital care coordinator at AHN and paramedic in O'Hara and West Deer. “We know that it's high time to do something that raises awareness and addresses these problems.”

Ransome said a key to her weight loss is preparing meals on a weekly basis to keep with her at work.

“I carry my lunch with me in the truck at all times,” she said. “No more fast food.”

She also carves out at least 30 minutes a day, no matter what, for exercise. Friendly Fitbit workout challenges with colleagues help.

“We do a workweek hustle with the Fitbit, and it really gets you moving,” Ransome said. “You don't want to lose out to the others, and it feels good to playfully taunt each other when you're in the lead.”

The goal of Mission Wellness is to expand enrollment beyond 350. By last week, 300 had signed up.

“Our goal is to transform the EMS culture, one step at a time. These men and women are dedicated and skilled professionals, too often overlooked as they work long hours at multiple, stressful jobs,” said Robert McCaughan, vice president of Prehospital Care Services at AHN. “Such a large-scale effort to improve the health of EMS providers has never before been attempted in this region, and we are grateful to the Highmark Foundation for making it possible.”

Ben Schmitt is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7991 orbschmitt@tribweb.com.