FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2009

Cardiac Catheterization Lab Reopening on April 1

To enhance patient care, St. John’s Mercy Hospital Emergency Department has added a new requirement, that of an ambulance ride-along, to its orientation process for nurses.

Nurses in the emergency department will be required to spend 4 to 6 hours riding with area ambulance districts as those ambulances respond to emergency calls.

St. John’s Mercy Hospital will work with all ambulance companies in the Hospital’s service area.

“The Hospital, EMS services and other public safety departments are all separate entities, but our work often overlaps. Where one’s work ends in an emergency, another’s begins,” said Tim Norton, trauma services coordinator. “Paramedics often see what goes on here at the Hospital, and it’s important for us to see what happens out there, to better our communications, and to know their limitations and capabilities.”

Enhancing these communications will benefit patients.

“Because our nursing staff will have a better understanding of their pre-hospital care, patients can be assured that they are receiving a seamless and optimum level of care from the time paramedics arrive to treat them at the scene, through the ride to the Hospital and at the Hospital.”

Nurses will learn the challenges paramedics have as they try to treat patients, such as working in excessive heat or cold, rain or snow, and with just enough supplies to fit in an ambulance. Add to that, helping patients while riding in the back of a moving vehicle.

“We hope this arrangement will help us better understand the overall function of the EMS team and broaden our insight into the world of EMTs and paramedics,” said Tom Nuermberger, EMS Coordinator for St. John’s Mercy Hospital. 

Norton added, “Just as it enhances patient care, it will also give nurses an appreciation for the work paramedics do, and give them a sense of what medics are up against while we’re in our climate-controlled building with all the supplies we need at our fingertips.”  

The first Ride-Along was hosted by the St. Clair Ambulance District, with cooperation with Chief Bill Hollo. Terri L. McLain, Hospital president, was the first nurse to participate.

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