Published July 25 in the Paducah Sun

Mercy expands versatility, improves emergency care

By SHELLEY STREET
The Paducah Sun

PADUCAH — With upgrades designed to reach patients by air, land and water, Mercy Regional Emergency Medical Service is getting some national attention.

Earlier this month, the ambulance service was invited to compete for the Rural EMS Spotlight Award, presented by the National Association of EMS Physicians. The winner will be announced in November.

"I think it's very rewarding to even be considered for an award on a national level," Mercy director Jamey Locke said, adding that it was a tribute to the employees and the support of Western Baptist and Lourdes hospitals, which own the service.

Mercy has made several changes designed to improve patient care during the past year and a half.

On May 15, PHI Air Medical began transporting patients by a helicopter based at West Kentucky Air Park on Shemwell Lane. The local program is administered by Mercy.

"It's going really good," said Barry Groves, the helicopter base supervisor. "It's busier than we thought we'd be with a new base setup."

PHI has transported more than 40 patients and has been called out on standby for several other cases, Groves said. The helicopter service also assists search and rescue efforts free, as a community service.

The helicopter can reach patients across western Kentucky in a maximum 15-minute flight. PHI hopes to be certified in Illinois within 45 days, Groves said. Certification will then be sought in Missouri.

The helicopter's versatility is especially helpful for emergency workers, Groves said. "We can set down on a highway, in a field, wherever."

Three months ago, Mercy obtained a Polaris Ranger all-terrain vehicle to augment its bicycle team at downtown events. Previously, if someone fell unconscious downtown, the bikers could respond with medical equipment, but it took longer for an ambulance to navigate the crowds and get the patient to a hospital. Patients can be strapped onto the back of the ATV and taken to a waiting ambulance much more quickly, Mercy Capt. Jeremy Miller said. The ATV is equipped with lights, a siren and advanced life-saving equipment.

The ATV can also be used to reach patients in remote areas inaccessible to most vehicles.

Mercy has just begun the second year of a program with Sea-Doo, a manufacturer of personal watercraft. Sea-Doo has agreed to provide Mercy one watercraft per year at no charge to use in water rescues and search operations.

The ambulance service has also replaced older van-type ambulances with bigger vehicles that provide twice the working space. The old ambulances could hold two patients. The new ones can hold two on stretchers and two more sitting up with much more room for emergency workers to treat them, Assistant Chief Ricky Driskill said.

"It's especially helpful when you get on the scene of a motor vehicle accident and there are multiple patients," Driskill said.

The newest ambulance, a 2003 International model, was featured in a national EMS trade show in Las Vegas last September. The International's safety features include netting to catch and cushion emergency workers in case of a crash, and snow chains that wrap around rear tires with the touch of a button. The new ambulances also cost less to operate.

Two months ago, Mercy began keeping at least four ambulances and crews on duty 24 hours a day. Extras can be called in as needed.

New computer technology is also being implemented to make the ambulances more efficient.

In April 2003, Mercy began using a computer-aided dispatch system. A color-coded computer screen shows whether an ambulance is en route to a call, has arrived or is taking a patient to a hospital. Special information such as where a key is hidden, what allergies a patient has and the reason the patient was last taken to the hospital may also be entered. By early next year, when the final phase of the program is completed, global positioning satellites will show every ambulance's exact location and provide a map for the crew to follow to the patient's address.

In June 2003, Mercy began a system that virtually eliminated all hand-written reports. All ambulances now carry a laptop computer loaded with the Rescue Net Field Data program. Patients and nurses use a computer pen to sign reports on the screen.

"It's improved the whole process," Miller said.

The next step for Mercy is to upgrade facilities. The first substation opened Dec. 12 at 3101 Estes Lane. A second substation, at U.S. 45 and Lebanon Church Road, is in design, Locke said, adding that he expects ground to be broken in 12 to 18 months.

Mercy has also outgrown the main station at 126 Lone Oak Road. Locke said that neither an exact location nor a timetable has been set, but Mercy would like to be near the area of Interstate 24 and Coleman Road. 

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