First Aid on the Trail
By: Dr. Susan Layeux, Boundary Community Clinics
In Boundary County, we head out to forest and river trails to hike, pick berries, find mushrooms, track animals, hunt, ride mountain bikes, snowmobile and ride ATVs. Most excursions will never end in someone needing First Aid. However, as the mother of three Eagle Scouts, I would have to agree with the Boy Scout motto: “Be Prepared”. That is the first key to Trail Safety and First Aid. We need to be aware of our surroundings and the obstacles or animals we may encounter that could result in injury. So I will share some key ways to be prepared.
Carry water. Avoid dehydration by bringing along enough water for the time you plan to spend outside. The higher the temperature, the higher you go in altitude and the more physical you are, the more water you need (even in the winter). The base should be 8 ounces per hour. If you stay hydrated you are less likely to experience Fainting, Heat Stroke and mental dullness that can lead to other injuries. Water can also be used to wash wounds and to cook. Sometimes a simple water bottle per person is enough, but the Camelback backpacks are great if you will be out for hours.
Pack a basic First Aid kit. This could include antiseptic wipes or alcohol pads (or water), antibiotic ointment, assorted bandages, small tweezers for slivers (or ticks), gauze pads of various sizes, tape (even duct tape), elastic bandage (Ace wrap or Coban wrap that sticks to itself), moleskin or gel pads for blisters, burn cream packets, scissors, safety pins, hand sanitizer, triangular bandage or bandana (makeshift sling). You could even consider disposable non-latex gloves and a CPR breathing barrier if you will be far from help and in a large group. A few baby Aspirin and some Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can be handy. And many kits come with a small first-aid booklet or guide to how to handle various injuries.
On insects. Prevent tick and mosquito bites with proper clothing and your favorite insect repellent. Check for ticks at the end of each day, and remove by grasping the head (if possible) with tweezers and pulling steadily and firmly. Prepare for hornet or bee stings. If allergic, be sure to bring your Epi-Pen. Even if not, bring a few Benadryl 25 mg (diphenhydramine) and take one immediately if there is significant trouble with swelling or breathing. This can also be used if you develop a rash from exposure to poison ivy or other noxious weeds.
Prepare for the weather. Apply sunscreen every 1-2 hours to exposed skin. Use a hat to keep your head cooler in the sun and warmer in the cold. Bring along a rain poncho or even garbage bag if wet weather is possible. Wear layers so that clothing can be adjusted according to changes in temperature through the day (or elevation).
Dress appropriately. Hiking boots provide better ankle support than sneakers on uneven terrain. Helmets are important for high-speed activities like biking, riding ATVs and snowmobiling. Neckerchiefs come in handy for covering skin, getting wet to put around neck to cool down, or to wash or bandage wounds.
General Safety. Always be sure that someone knows where you are going and how long you plan to be away. Carry a flashlight and matches. Carry a cell phone (even if you don’t have service, the phone can often be tracked if you get lost). Always go with a buddy. Back away from potentially dangerous animals while facing them and making a lot of noise.
The Community Health Fair is Saturday, May 12, from 9 am to noon. Stop by our Mountain Trail Safety Clinic. I will be there to answer First Aid questions and give you tips on how to make a Basic First Aid Kit. We live in a beautiful part of the world. Enjoy it – Safely.
###
Susan Layeux, MD is a Primary Care Physician at Boundary Community Clinics and Chief of Staff at Boundary Community Hospital.
TSE: When Time is of the Essence in an Emergency
/in Uncategorized /by Lauren KuczkaWhen Time is of the Essence in an Emergency
By: Sunshine Bartlett, RN
Boundary Community Hospital Emergency Department
Published in the Bonners Ferry Herald 6/21/2018
The man sitting beside you in church slumps forward. When you speak with him his words are slurred. He seems unable to lift one of his arms.
You are at a family dinner. Your aunt mentions to you she has been having chest pain for the last 30 minutes. She doesn’t want to cause a fuss. She wants to know what you think she should do.
You are driving down the road. You come upon a truck which ran off the road and struck a tree.
What do these three situations have in common?
They are all considered Time Sensitive Emergencies.
Time sensitive emergencies are medical conditions where rapid treatment can make a big difference in the eventual outcome for a person.
The state of Idaho has recognized Stroke, Heart Attack and Trauma as circumstances where timely care can prevent and lessen disability and even death. Many of the Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) and hospitals throughout the state are adopting new systems to reduce delays for these people. These measures include calling ahead an alert to make these patients a priority, developing protocols to assure the highest level of care and expediting transfers to the most appropriate facility.
You are the most crucial piece in the chain. Without people in the community alerting medical personnel the process cannot begin.
What can you do if you recognize the signs of these critical situations?
Stroke:
Slurring of speech, facial droop and/or weakness on one side of the body.
Heart attack:
Chest pain or pressure which can move into the neck or arm, sweating, nausea and/or pale skin.
Trauma:
Any concerning trauma or injury.
First, remain calm and Call 911. EMS in Boundary County have been trained to respond and treat these emergencies. They will notify the Hospital of the type of emergency so other preparations can be made.
Next, stay with the person. Dispatch may have questions for you which can help EMS locate and treat the person who is sick or injured.
In each of these cases, the quicker the person can get to medical care, the better the chance they will go on to lead a healthy and productive life. Your ability to recognize these critical situations and act may really make a difference in someone’s life.
Boundary Community Hospital in Boundary County and Bonner General Health in Bonner County have been designated as Level IV Trauma Centers by the State of Idaho for Time Sensitive Emergencies.
###
Stroke? Think F A S T
Stroke Cincinnati Pre-Hospital Stroke Scale
Face: Ask the person to smile
– does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms – does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase – is their speech slurred?
Time: Time is brain! Stroke is an EMERGENCY!
Prescription for Wellness: First Aid on the Trail
/in Prescription for Wellness, Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaFirst Aid on the Trail
By: Dr. Susan Layeux, Boundary Community Clinics
In Boundary County, we head out to forest and river trails to hike, pick berries, find mushrooms, track animals, hunt, ride mountain bikes, snowmobile and ride ATVs. Most excursions will never end in someone needing First Aid. However, as the mother of three Eagle Scouts, I would have to agree with the Boy Scout motto: “Be Prepared”. That is the first key to Trail Safety and First Aid. We need to be aware of our surroundings and the obstacles or animals we may encounter that could result in injury. So I will share some key ways to be prepared.
Carry water. Avoid dehydration by bringing along enough water for the time you plan to spend outside. The higher the temperature, the higher you go in altitude and the more physical you are, the more water you need (even in the winter). The base should be 8 ounces per hour. If you stay hydrated you are less likely to experience Fainting, Heat Stroke and mental dullness that can lead to other injuries. Water can also be used to wash wounds and to cook. Sometimes a simple water bottle per person is enough, but the Camelback backpacks are great if you will be out for hours.
On insects. Prevent tick and mosquito bites with proper clothing and your favorite insect repellent. Check for ticks at the end of each day, and remove by grasping the head (if possible) with tweezers and pulling steadily and firmly. Prepare for hornet or bee stings. If allergic, be sure to bring your Epi-Pen. Even if not, bring a few Benadryl 25 mg (diphenhydramine) and take one immediately if there is significant trouble with swelling or breathing. This can also be used if you develop a rash from exposure to poison ivy or other noxious weeds.
Prepare for the weather. Apply sunscreen every 1-2 hours to exposed skin. Use a hat to keep your head cooler in the sun and warmer in the cold. Bring along a rain poncho or even garbage bag if wet weather is possible. Wear layers so that clothing can be adjusted according to changes in temperature through the day (or elevation).
Dress appropriately. Hiking boots provide better ankle support than sneakers on uneven terrain. Helmets are important for high-speed activities like biking, riding ATVs and snowmobiling. Neckerchiefs come in handy for covering skin, getting wet to put around neck to cool down, or to wash or bandage wounds.
General Safety. Always be sure that someone knows where you are going and how long you plan to be away. Carry a flashlight and matches. Carry a cell phone (even if you don’t have service, the phone can often be tracked if you get lost). Always go with a buddy. Back away from potentially dangerous animals while facing them and making a lot of noise.
The Community Health Fair is Saturday, May 12, from 9 am to noon. Stop by our Mountain Trail Safety Clinic. I will be there to answer First Aid questions and give you tips on how to make a Basic First Aid Kit. We live in a beautiful part of the world. Enjoy it – Safely.
###
Susan Layeux, MD is a Primary Care Physician at Boundary Community Clinics and Chief of Staff at Boundary Community Hospital.
Prescription for Wellness: Advance Directives
/in Prescription for Wellness, Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaPrescription for Wellness from Boundary Community Clinics
Start the Conversation about Advance Directives
By: Janet Lukehart, FNP-C
Healthcare decisions can often be complicated and confusing even under the best of circumstances. Unexpected medical issues and emergencies may place you in a situation where you are unable to speak for yourself, leaving your family to make heathcare decisions for you. Under these circumstances, how will your family and medical providers know your preferences for life-saving efforts and treatment? This is where an Advance Directive comes in.
Stated simply, an Advance Directive shares your healthcare wishes, should you become incapacitated and unable to express yourself. You specify the medical treatments you would want provided or withheld, and designate who is permitted to make these medical decisions on your behalf. Most people decide their preferences based on personal values and conversations with loved ones. Should you change your mind, updates can easily be made by submitting a new form.
Three types of advance directives legally recognized in Idaho are the Living Will, the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, and the Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST). A Living Will is a written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, and related decisions such as pain management or organ donation. In the absence of an advance directive, medical care providers are obligated to prolong your life, using artificial means if necessary. With a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, you name the person who will make these decisions for you when you are unable. The POST replaces the traditional Idaho Do Not Resuscitate form and is a set of medical orders you ask your doctor to write. The POST is most applicable for those with terminal conditions.
The Advance Directive process need not be complicated nor expensive. Instructions and templates for advance directives are combined in a free document provided by the state of Idaho. Idaho also maintains an Advance Directive Registry. By filing your document with the registry your healthcare provider and loved ones will have ready access to your directive in a time of need. Visit https://sos.idaho.gov/hcdr/ for more information. Other free and low-cost resources are available at AgingWithDignity.org, CaringInfo.org and HonoringChoicesIdaho.org.
If you do not already have an Advance Directive and would like more information and/or forms, please stop by the Start the Conversation about Advance Directives exhibit area at the Hospital’s Annual Health Fair on May 12, 2018. Your actions now might well save your family members stress and emotional turmoil in the future, and assure your healthcare choices are met.
Janet Lukehart is a primary care Nurse Practitioner at Boundary Community Clinics.
Prescription for Wellness: April is Autism Awareness Month
/in Prescription for Wellness, Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaPrescription for Wellness from Boundary Community Clinics
April is Autism Awareness Month
By: Beverly J. Yercheck, ANP-C
What is autism?
Autism is a spectrum condition that affects individuals differently and uniquely to varying degrees. Many of the symptoms of Autism involve communication and socialization. Frequently those with Autism have problems with change, avoid eye contact, have facial expressions that do not correspond to the situation, have problems with personal space, appear to lack empathy and may avoid physical contact. Frequently these individuals have problems making and maintaining relationships.
How is Autism diagnosed?
Signs and symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can be diagnosed by a pediatric provider or by school specialists with input from family and friends. Signs that a child needs an assessment for Autism are usually noticed by the parents or primary care providers. These early signs may include the following: a baby that does not babble or coo by 12 months; a baby that does not gesture with waving or pointing by 12 months; a baby that does not speak even single words by 15 months or say 2 word phrases on his own by 24 months; or if there is any loss of language or social skills over time. These signs do not mean a diagnosis of Autism but they do signal a need for professional assessment.
Since Autism can look differently in each individual, it takes a team approach to put together a plan to help the child navigate in a “neurotypical” world. Success of the individual greatly depends on resources and support within and aside from the family. The school system can assist with interventions to help bring out the best academically and help develop social skills. It is important to remember that the individual with Autism has all the same needs that non-Autistic people have, they just express those needs in different ways.
Bev Yercheck is a primary care adult Nurse Practitioner with Boundary Community Clinics in Bonners Ferry.
Festival of Hearts 2018 a Success
/in Foundation /by Lauren KuczkaThe Fry Healthcare Foundation Festival of Hearts was a resounding success raising more than $40,000 to benefit Boundary Community Hospital. The majority of funds raised during the event will be used to purchase two Stryker Gurneys for Outpatient Surgery and the Emergency Department.
The event sold out quickly this year with sponsors snapping up over half the tickets and tables. The atmosphere was elegant and the food prepared by the master chefs at Kootenai River Inn was delightful. Ken Yount did a great job as the auctioneer, extracting high amounts for the auction items while keeping the event fun and relaxed. According to Teresa Rae, Vice President of Fry Healthcare Foundation, “We are pleased to be able to provide this special event at a time of year when the folks in Boundary County want to get together and celebrate. The dinner and auction format is just right and we are so glad everyone is so generous.”
The Dessert Dash returned this year and was a rousing success. “One table pooled their resources to bid $1,005 to be able to pick first from the 15 spectacular desserts,” according to Teresa Rae. It is a fun way for everyone at the event to participate and share the desserts with many take home boxes providing an extra amount to share. A special thank you to the restaurants and individuals who created the beautiful and delicious dessert array.
The Fry Healthcare Foundation and our community have raised $1.2 Million to benefit the hospital over the past 21 years. A heartfelt thank you to everyone in the community for your continued support of the Foundation and its fundraising efforts on behalf of Boundary Community Hospital. The next event for Fry Healthcare Foundation will be the Tenth Annual Golf Tournament at Mirror Lake Golf Course on September 7, 2018.
Rural Health in Boundary County
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaRural Health in Boundary County
By: Jeannie Harkness
Boundary Community Clinics Manager
Across America rural settings allow for a simpler way of life. However, when it comes to health care, Rural Health Clinics are anything but simple. The Rural Health Services Act of 1977 has helped bring healthcare providers to rural areas, meeting the needs of families that would otherwise not have access to care. Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician’s Assistants care for patients with problems ranging from the common cold to annual physicals, to chronic and serious issues including hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Rural Health Clinics have helped residents of small communities, like Boundary County, enjoy healthier lifestyles and address more prominent healthcare needs.
Boundary Community Clinics has been certified as a Rural Health Clinic by the State of Idaho since 2014. To qualify as a Rural Health Clinic (RHC), a clinic must be either located in a non-urbanized area, designated as a medically underserved area, designated as a population group or have a geographic health professional shortage in the area. In addition, Boundary Community Clinics was recently re-accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. as a Rural Health Clinic and is proud to be a part of the Rural Health Association.
With a full-time physician, two nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants and administrative staff all living in Boundary County, our rural health clinic is truly neighbors caring for neighbors.
Boundary Community Hospital Reaccreditation
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaNews Release
For Immediate Release
October 17, 2017
Boundary Community Hospital
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOP TIER QUALITY AT BOUNDARY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
“The DNV GL program is consistent with our long-term commitment to quality and patient safety,” says Tari Yourzek, RN, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer and Quality Manager. “The ability to integrate ISO 9001 quality standards with our clinical and financial processes is a major step forward.”
In addition, Boundary Community Clinics received reaccreditation as a Rural Health Clinic and the Clinical Medical Laboratory received their reaccreditation.
The Extended Care Facility and Nursing Home completed their annual survey by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The surveyors reported that the survey was 100% deficiency free for the second year in a row. The Nutrition Services Department led by Valerie Strugar, DTR also had a 100% deficiency free report – this is their 22nd year in a row! This is a team effort with Extended Care Facility staff working with Nutrition Services, Environmental Services and Facilities/Maintenance to provide the highest standard of care to the residents. “A deficiency free report from the surveyors is extremely rare for a long term care facility,” says Yourzek. “To have it two years in a row should be credited to the hard-working and dedicated team led by Director of Nursing, Tami Corsi, RN.”
These are excellent examples of the quality of care that our hospital, primary care clinic, and extended care facility employees are providing to the community.
When Time is of the Essence in an Emergency
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaAugust 2017
By: Sunshine Bartlett, RN
Boundary Community Hospital Emergency Department
The man sitting beside you in church slumps forward. When you speak with him his words are slurred. He seems unable to lift one of his arms.
You are at a family dinner. Your aunt mentions to you she has been having chest pain for the last 30 minutes. She doesn’t want to cause a fuss. She wants to know what you think she should do.
You are driving down the road. You come upon a truck which ran off the road and struck a tree.
What do these three situations have in common?
They are all considered Time Sensitive Emergencies.
Time sensitive emergencies are medical conditions where rapid treatment can make a big difference in the eventual outcome for a person.
The state of Idaho has recognized Stroke, Heart Attack and Trauma as circumstances where timely care can prevent and lessen disability and even death. Many of the Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) and hospitals throughout the state are adopting new systems to reduce delays for these people. These measures include calling ahead an alert to make these patients a priority, developing protocols to assure the highest level of care and expediting transfers to the most appropriate facility.
You are the most crucial piece in the chain. Without people in the community alerting medical personnel the process cannot begin.
What can you do if you recognize the signs of these critical situations?
Stroke:
Slurring of speech, facial droop and/or weakness on one side of the body.
Heart attack:
Chest pain or pressure which can move into the neck or arm, sweating, nausea and/or pale skin.
Trauma:
Any concerning trauma or injury.
First, remain calm and Call 911. EMS in Boundary County have been trained to respond and treat these emergencies. They will notify the Hospital of the type of emergency so other preparations can be made.
Next, stay with the person. Dispatch may have questions for you which can help EMS locate and treat the person who is sick or injured.
In each of these cases, the quicker the person can get to medical care, the better the chance they will go on to lead a healthy and productive life. Your ability to recognize these critical situations and act may really make a difference in someone’s life.
Boundary Community Hospital in Boundary County and Bonner General Health in Bonner County have been designated as Level IV Trauma Centers by the State of Idaho for Time Sensitive Emergencies.
###
Exercise for Joint Stability
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaJuly 2017
By: Jeff Petersen, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Boundary Community Hospital Rehabilitation Services
How many times, on the sports field or playground, do you hear the kids talking about being “double-jointed”? This is common slang for a condition called joint hypermobility or joint laxity and it simply means that someone is able to move their joints farther than most people can; and in some children (and adults) this condition may be the cause of joint pain.
The majority of patients I see who are under the age of 18 and not post-surgical, complain primarily of joint pain. In addition, they tend to score in the mild to moderate 4 – 6 point range, of the 9-point Beighton score for joint hypermobility. This patient population represents only a very small percentage of the total population in this age group in Boundary County. Because many individuals do not seek treatment, this suggests the condition may be more widespread.
The problem with joint laxity is that the connective tissues involved, which typically provide joint stability, are looser than they should be, and allow excessive range of motion. This can be congenital in nature, which typically presents throughout the body, or from a traumatic event affecting just one or a few joints specifically. These tissues do not stretch and rebound like muscle tissue, and therefore if they allow excessive range of motion, there is no changing that without surgical intervention.
On a more conservative note, if the muscles that attach to the joint connective tissues can be strengthened and trained to work more as joint stabilizers, they can help reduce the strain on the connective tissues, and provide increased joint stability when performing movements, especially with sports.
What options do you have to postpone or prevent issues with joint hypermobility?
Most people do very well participating in a physical therapy program to evaluate deficits and establish an individual plan of care. The objective of the plan of care is to improve tolerance to functional mobility, especially sports and other recreational activities, and to reduce joint pain and associated symptoms.
Make a habit of including strength and stability training in a life-long, regular exercise program to minimize the effects of joint laxity.
Be sure to take advantage of the free Sports Physical Clinic at Boundary Community Hospital on August 1, 2017 from 5-7 pm. The Sports Physical Clinic includes a screening by the Physical and Occupational Therapists in the Rehabilitation Department, providing evaluation for neuromusculoskeletal function in the kids, including range of motion, strength, balance and functional mobility. The therapists will ask if the child has been experiencing any joint pain or other related symptoms. This is excellent for early detection and intervention to avoid something small becoming something big later on.
Boundary Community Hospital offers the Sports Physical Clinic annually as a FREE service for our community. In accordance with Idaho High School Activities Association, any students in grades 7, 9, and 11 participating in sports, including cheerleading, must have a physical before the first practice starts. A physical is also required for those new to the sports program who did not have a physical last year, even if in grades 8, 10 and 12. Students and parents should enter at Outpatient Services off Comanche Street and check in at the Coaches’ table. Parents must be present for the clinic.
###
ECF Wins 10th Schoonover Award
/in Press Release /by Lauren KuczkaNews Release July 31, 2017
Excellence in Caring – Again
Bonners Ferry, ID — Boundary Community Hospital is proud to announce that its Extended Care Facility and Nursing Home has been recognized by the State of Idaho with their tenth L. Jean Schoonover Award for Excellence in Caring. This year the facility received the Gold Award distinguished by having an average Health Inspection rating of 4.6 to 5.0 (the highest rating). Recipients of the award must demonstrate a dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to the residents they serve.
Boundary County Nursing Home joins Kindred Nursing and Rehab in Mountain Valley as the only two Gold Award winners in 2017. “This is an excellent example of the quality of care that our hospital and extended care facility employees are providing to the community, especially those that need long term and skilled nursing care,” says Craig Johnson, CEO. “The focus is on the residents, making their environment more home-like, and finding and keeping staff that emphasizes the quality of care they provide.”
Under the guiding hand of Director of Nursing Tami Corsi, RN, the Extended Care Facility has started an initiative to make the residents feel more at home. Her hands on leadership style and caring culture have allowed the staff to focus on care rather than procedures and schedules. Working with Valerie Strugar, Nutrition Services Manager, Ms. Corsi has been a change catalyst recently by focusing on the Restorative Sleep Vitality Program to allow residents to get more natural sleep by adjusting meal times and expanding food choices, as well as expanding activities.
Culture of Caring, Culture of Quality
According to Chief Nursing Officer, Tari Yourzek, “The entire staff, both medical and non-medical, is committed to quality patient care and caring about the people of Boundary County, continuously making a conscious effort to improve our services. Their attitude toward a culture of quality is reflected in their efforts to stay ahead of standards of care, setting an example for other small rural hospitals and nursing homes. Quality healthcare can be defined as providing best practice care with the most up-to-date resources by empathetic and caring staff.”
The Extended Care Facility and Nursing Home at Boundary Community Hospital is a licensed skilled nursing home with a physician on staff to supervise each resident’s care providing both long-term and rehabilitative or short-term residency. The highly-skilled staff understands and specializes in long-term care, bringing a special nurturing atmosphere that can be felt every day throughout the facility.
####