Katie Lucas, Nature Coast EMS, 02/07/12

Good morning! In lieu of a recent article, I will answer a question that may have come to your mind. Why are Nature Coast EMS patients sometimes transported out of the county by helicopter?

I’ll begin with the meaning of the word “trauma” — “a serious injury or shock to the body, as from violence or an accident.”

Nature Coast EMS is committed to provide the highest level of care to the community that we are honored to serve.

A component of this is to assure we transport our patients to the most medically appropriate level of care.

When emergency medical professionals encounter significant injuries, the “Golden Hour” begins from the time of injury. The sooner definitive care can begin at a trauma facility, the higher the survivability of the patient.

Treatment delayed beyond this hour has demonstrated a lesser chance. Nature Coast EMS uses selection criteria mandated by state law for determining if a patient’s injury is considered traumatic.

Although Citrus County has excellent emergency departments and hospitals, we do not have a trauma center with specialized trauma equipment and specially trained physicians and staff.

The closest trauma centers are Shands in Gainesville, Tampa General Healthcare, and Bayonet Point in Hudson. To facilitate the most appropriate potentially lifesaving treatments, Nature Coast EMS uses the fastest, safest mode of transportation, which is by way of a medical helicopter. Helicopters can travel at 120 miles an hour without traffic hold-ups; however, there are times when weather may be an issue causing delays.

Nature Coast EMS is not affiliated nor do we receive any compensation from any helicopter transport. However, we are all medical emergency responders and collaborate together and with other responders.

One thing for certain; a patient can refuse airlift transport, although our team of professionals will inform you of the risks associated with delay of specialized care.

Nature Coast wants to ensure our patients are taken where they receive best possible medical care for their injuries.

When we’re not out saving lives, Nature Coast EMS believes in helping to build a strong community.

+ On Feb. 28, we are co-hosting a Code Blue Workshop with Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center at our offices in Lecanto from 3 to 5 p.m. with various heart seminars, blood pressure checks and demonstrations.

+ From 7 a.m. to noon March 10, we will host the First Annual Treasures & Treats Sale, (yard sale and bake sale), with proceeds to benefit CASA (Citrus Abuse Shelter Association) and Citrus County Blessings in a Backpack. If you have items you can donate for the sale, or even items these two fine organizations need, you can drop them off at our administration office on Homosassa Trail behind Crystal Glen in Lecanto Monday through Friday, (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here is a list of some items CASA is always in need of: twin-sized sheet sets, paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, personal hygiene items, dish soap and garbage bags.

Blessings in a Backpack needs: peanut butter, cereal bars, tuna pop-top cans, single-serving drink boxes or pouches, single-serving gelatin cups and single-serving cereal boxes.

Of course, both of these groups could use financial support, as well. I hope you will join us at these two great events.

As always, be safe, take care and stay well!

Some of the information for this article was ascertained from the Florida Administrative Code and the Injury Board Blog Network.

Katie Lucas is the public information officer at Nature Coast EMS. She can be reached at 352-249-4730 or katie.lucas@naturecoastems.org. Nature Coast EMS is an accredited, nonprofit 501(c)3 established in 2000 to provide emergency medical services to Citrus County. Watch “Every Minute Counts” hosted by Mike Hall, CEO, Nature Coast EMS on WYKE TV at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays.