HEALTH
Patients from assisted-living facilities present a particular
challenge since many who come to the ER are in
frail health. However, their records are easily accessible,
allowing for faster treatment.
When someone falls and comes to the ER, the team
can wheel in a bedside ultrasound, which can show
whether there is blood in the stomach, trauma or internal
injuries. The doctor can then decide the next course
of action.
When someone appears to be having a stroke, Wally,
the robotic camera, arrives bedside so a neurosurgeon
on call 24 hours a day can zoom in for a close look at the
patient. Doctors must have the complete picture and are
careful to administer the drug tPA. Tissue Plasminogen
Activator — if administered within three hours of the
first stroke-like symptoms — can dissipate the threatening
blood clot.
Each discharged patient has a case manager who
works with family and caregivers to arrange delivery of
oxygen, schedule therapy and administer medicines.
Barry Reid, 73, has volunteered two days a week at
the ER for the past 10 years. “You want to be in a comfortable
place,” he says. “The atmosphere is uplifting.
You see smiling faces all around. The staff is very attentive.
The quality of the care here is very high.”
“We recognize who we serve and it is a big part of
our demographics that we are a high acuity emergency
room,” director Sasson says. “It is not just the physical
plant. We changed our culture and we have attentive
specialists providing good care and a good experience.” E
Charge Nurse Kimberly Tappan warms up the bedside sonogram to allow ER doctors
an internal look at patient injuries. Doctors at St. Lucie Medical Center ‘s ER
respond to admitted patients within nine minutes, officials say.
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