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June is National Migraine Month

Migraines impact over 37 million men, women, and children in the United States. While much of the adult population has experienced a headache in their life, not everyone has experienced a headache disorder, such as a migraine. June is National Migraine and Headache Month; Shining a spotlight on these painful experiences.  

Headaches and migraines are among the most common disorders of the human nervous system. Symptoms range from dull and throbbing head pain, piercing cluster pain, neck pain and tension, nausea,  and hypersensitivity to light, sound and smells. When left untreated, chronic migraines can lead to depression, isolation, and self-medication. It’s extremely important that if you fear you have chronic migraines to consult a doctor.  

Severe symptoms include: 

  • Two or more headaches a week 
  • The need for more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain reliever for […]
June is National Migraine Month2024-06-14T12:51:58-04:00

Welcome our new Hires

May has been a busy month! We’re excited to announce that we have added nine new personnel to STAT MedEvac! Allow us to introduce you to the new hire class of May 2024.  

 

L-R 

  • Nick Case – CCGU PM 
  • Cindy Lehman – ME18 RN 
  • Mikki Caulkins – ME10 JHH RN 
  • Kayla Brantley – ME12 RN 
  • Hannah Taylor – ME18 RN 
  • Emma Gardner – ME10 JHH RN 
  • Jesse Cribbs – ME3 PM 
  • Derek Long – ME7 PM 
  • Trent Johnson – ME9 RN 

 

Welcome our new Hires2024-05-29T06:54:27-04:00

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, but it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. With summer approaching and more time spent outdoors, it’s a great time to discuss not only the dangers of unprotected sun exposure, but also the ways we can take preventative measures to protect our skin.

Most cases of skin cancer are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.  UV light not only comes from the sun but is also found artificially in indoor tanning beds.  According to SkinCancer.org, there is a 75% increased risk for developing melanoma if you start using an indoor tanning bed before the age of 35. 

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors this summer, it’s imperative that you […]

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month2024-05-29T06:50:18-04:00

STAT MedEvac Airpod – Caring for The Caregiver’s Mental Health with EMDR Therapy

STAT MedEvac Podcast Chelsey Pupura

 

As first responders and critical care healthcare providers, we need to stay aware of our own mental health.

Chelsey Naum Purpura, MS, LPC received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at West Virginia University and her Masters in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is licensed as a Professional Counselor and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults and is part of the team at Favored Wellness Counseling.

It was due to working with clients who have experienced domestic violence and abuse that she found a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma. With this passion, she became trained in EMDR therapy.

Learn more about Chelsey and EMDR therapy at FavoredWellness.com.

STAT MedEvac Airpod – Caring for The Caregiver’s Mental Health with EMDR Therapy2024-05-20T18:29:50-04:00

Employee Profile: Bob Siegwarth

Bob Siegwarth

Communication Specialist

Years of Service – 4

 

Fun Facts:  

  • Bob is the Assistant Chief of Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department.
  • He has been a member at Bridgeville VFD for 14 years. 
  • Bob has been in Fire/EMS industry for the last 22 years!
  • He has a fur baby named Daisy 
  • Bob’s family includes his wife – Jess, son – Jackson (four), and daughter Emmie (two). 
Employee Profile: Bob Siegwarth2024-04-23T20:10:21-04:00

First Comprehensive Assessment of Pediatric Prehospital Care Launches May 1

First Comprehensive Assessment of Pediatric Prehospital Care Launches May 1  

National assessment aims to improve prehospital care for acutely ill and injured children  

While the majority of emergency medical services (EMS) and fire-rescue agencies provide emergency care to children, pediatric calls are rare. In fact, because many agencies see fewer than eight pediatric patients per month, EMS clinicians often don’t feel comfortable or confident when caring for children. Pediatric readiness can reduce anxiety and increase confidence, and research suggests it may also improve outcomes. But what is pediatric readiness, and how do you know if your agency is really ready to take care of children?

The National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project is launching an assessment Wednesday, May 1, that can answer these questions—and more. The goal of this national project is to […]

First Comprehensive Assessment of Pediatric Prehospital Care Launches May 12024-05-09T09:31:43-04:00

Employee Profile: Michael Merwin

Michael Merwin BSN, RN, PHRN, CFRN

STAT MedEvac 6

Years of Service – 5

  • Mike has a very special STAT MedEvac story. In 2011, Michael was in a bad motocross accident and was flown by STAT MedEvac to UPMC Presbyterian.  He had surgery to fix a badly broken femur.   Mike was just starting college to major in meteorology.   He spent that time in the hospital deciding he wanted to change his major to nursing. His goal was to be that nurse on the helicopter!  As you can see, he reached his goal, and has been flying for over 5 years now!!
  • Mike also works part time in EMS and is the captain at his local fire department. 
  • In his spare time, he still enjoys riding dirt bikes and my […]
Employee Profile: Michael Merwin2024-04-23T20:05:21-04:00

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2024

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Every year it takes place during the second week of April as a way to recognize the 911 telecommunications personnel and communications specialists like our own STAT COM who selflessly serve the public. With that, here are some ideas on how you can say thank you to those that continue to keep our communities safe. 

  1. Send a thank you card. Simple, yet so meaningful. A handwritten thank you card can go a long way when it comes to showing appreciation. 
  2. Share positive stories on social media. The power of social media is strong when it comes to celebrating those in public safety. You can share your own personal story or simply raise awareness about the important work that they do.  
  3. Spread awareness about this week. If you don’t work in […]
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 20242024-04-17T10:31:33-04:00

Employee Profile: Ian Kolmaister

 

Ian Kolmaister, FP-C

STAT MedEvac 10
Years of Service – 3

Fun facts:

  • Ian wrestled in college.
  • He is a former competitive bodybuilder!
  • Ian bakes breads / sourdough from scratch.
  • He is a musician/vocalist and has recorded an album and a couple singles for a new music project!!
  • Ian likes to backpack.  He has hit 6 states, both coasts, 3 regions, and multiple national/state parks and forests.
Employee Profile: Ian Kolmaister2024-04-15T09:36:41-04:00

STAT AirPod – Effects of Climate Sensitivities on Pediatric Patients

Dr. Isabela Angelelli is the Co-Chair for Clinicians for Climate Action.

Clinicians for Climate Action launched a campaign to significantly improve healthcare sustainability at UPMC, the largest healthcare system in Pennsylvania. Our guest, Dr. Isabela Angelelli is the Co-Chair for Clinicians for Climate Action.  The current focus of her work in the environmental world includes trees as a public health intervention and efforts to decrease the carbon footprint of regional healthcare systems.

STAT AirPod – Effects of Climate Sensitivities on Pediatric Patients2024-04-09T23:50:12-04:00
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