Deep East Texas Regional Advisory Council

Trauma Service Area - H

300 East Shepherd, Suite 154
Lufkin City Hall
Lufkin, TX 75901
936.639.0600


Education

Upcoming Events

Please see our Calendar for upcoming events.

GROUP CRISIS INTERVENTION COURSE:

a.k.a.Critical Incident Stress Management - CISM

February 17 - 18, 2018

    • 2017 RAC EMS EDUCATION
      • Jan- TBA
      • March- TBA
      • May- TBA
      • July- TBA
      • Sept- TBA
      • Nov- TBA

Contact Jeremiah Barnard, Nacogdoches County EMS Educator, for questions at 936-559-5709 or barnardj@nacmem.org

 

  •  EMS ADMINISTRATOR OF RECORD COURSE
    •  Initial and Continued Education
    • Offerred by SAO soluitions- onliine course
    • www.saosolutions.net 

 

  • BRAIN INJURY TRAINING
    • You can book a free in-person or web based trainings led by the Office of Acquired Brain Injury (OABI) staff.  The OABI staff will work with you to develop an individualized training to ensure that the training needs and interest of your group are met.  To learn more about scheduleing a training or webinar contact us at:  512-706-7191 or OABI@hhsc.state.tx.us.
      • Learn the basics of brain injuiry and its effecgts on an individual‘s mind, body and emotions.
      • Discover techniques to best prevent brain injury and intervene when you suspect someone has sustained one.
      • Find out how you can best assist an individual living with a brain injury whether they have unmet needs or are in crisis.

Standing Events

  • Free Online COOP Trainings- Setrac
  1.  IS-546.12  Continuity of Operations Awareness Course. 
  2.  IS-547.a  Introduction to Continuity of Operations
  3.  IS-548  Continuity of Operations Program (COOP) Manager
  4.  IS-156  Building Design for Homeland Security for Continuipty of Operations

 

 

  •   Online Now      National Disaster Life Support Training
                                                Newly updated courses
                                                CDLS- Core Disaster Life Support 3.0
                                                BDLS- Basic Disaster Life Support 3.0
                                                ADLS- Advanced Disaster Life Support 3.0
                                                www.ndls.us

 

 

 

  • STOP THE BLEED:  Nationwide campaign to empower individuals to act quickly and save lives.  For more information and materials on STOP THE BLEED campaign contact:  www.dhs.gov

 

  • ZIKA VIRUS:  Zika Summit Materials now available online.  CDC published on the Zika Action Plan (ZAP) Summit website presentations and other zika related resources from the April 1 ZAP Summit.  In-person and webinar attendees are able to access newly developed FAQ‘s, a transcript from the pre-summit webinar, an action plan template for use in their jurisdictions, as wellas a variety of zika related links to travel notices, MMWRs, and a digital press kit.  CDC will host post summit webinars in the near future to provide updated information to help improve zika prepatedness and response within state, territorial, and local jurisdictions.
    • CED ONLINE RESOURCES:
      • Doctor‘s Visit Checklinst:  For Pregnant Women linving in an Area with Zika
      • Zika Virus Testing for Pregnant Women linving in an Area with Zika
      • For Pregnant Women:  A positive Zika Virus Test, What does that Mean for me?
      • Congenital Microcephaly Case Definitions
      • UPDATE:  QA:  Pregnant Women and Women of Reproductive Age
      • Women and their partners who are thinking about pregnancy
    • preparedness@cdc.gov
    • www.texaszika.org

 

  • DSHS Health Advisory:  Call for Cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis:  In May and June 2016, teh DSHS received reports of 7 children suspected of having acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).  The patients have been reported from Central Texas and the Dallas/FW Metroplex areas.  Prior to May, no AFM cases have ben confirmed in Texas in 2016 and five have been reported nationally.  due to the sudden increase in case reports, DSHA is urging clinicians to be aware of AFM and to report suspected cases to DSHS or their local health department.  Clinical Presentation of AFM:  acute focal limb weakness, frequently two to three weeks after a respiratory or febrile illness, may also have facial droop, diplopia, dysphagia, or dysarthria.  Recommendation for prevention and clinical management and follow-up of patients:  There is no specific prevention of AFM, however, general hygienic measures, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick persons, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces should reduce the risk of many pathogens that have previously been associated with AFM.  Information to help clinicians and public health officals manage care of persons with suspected AFM can be found at :  www.ced.gov/acute-flacid-myelitis/downloads/acute-flaccid-myelitis.pdf

 

  • SENATE BILL 1574:

 http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/print/volume165/

 

  • Texas Infectious Disease Readiness:  If you would like to receive timely and accurate information on infectionus diseases, you can sign up at TXIDR.org.  Dr. Jan Patterson is a professor in the ID department at UTHSCSA and is on the EMTF IDRU Advisory Committee.  Go to the website and sign up for updates by email by clicking "Stay Informed", and/or can text "txidr" to 21000 and you will be signed up for text updates.  This is the website that came from the Statewide Educational Work group on Ebola and Emerging Infectious Diseases.  They will be posting learning modules on infectious diseases sponsored by DSHS soon.

Injury Prevention

 

  • Guide to understanding and Preventing Suicide Among Students- www.learnpsychology.org/suicide-depression-student-guidebook/  Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15-24.  This guidebook was created to help students better understand suicide and depression, how to recognize warning signs in themselves or their peers, and what they can do to intervene.  Key updates to the guide include: an indepth Q&A with psychiatry expert, Dr. Schlozman; a comprehensive overview of the connection between mental health, depression and suicide; warning signs of suicide and advice for students who are experiencing or know someone who is displaying these signs; and help and resources for students struggling with depression. 

 

  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients.  www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

 

  • Texas Trauma Coordinators Forum (TTCF) - ELF Program - "Everybody Lessens Falls".  Free program to implement at your facility to help reduce falls and injury from falls.  For information contact www.ttcf.org 

 

  • Texas EMS Trauma and Acute Care Foundation (TETAF) Trauma Division presents Guide to Trauma Center Designation for Hospital Executives.  It is a booklet formed to help Hospital Executives better understand the benefit and importance of being or maintaining trauma center designation.  For more information contact Brenda Putz at www.tetaf.org.

 

  • UTMB Health Blocker Burn Unit and Shriner‘s for Children offers FREE 1-2 hour lecture with CE‘s awarded at your facility for burn education.  Contact Michael Buffalo, DNP, RN, CCRN.  Contact mcbuffal@utmb.edu or 409-370-0806. 

 

  • American Trauma Society - www.amtrauma.org - guide to water safety, all around the house/home safety, and fall prevention.

 

  • Christopher Reeve‘s Foundation - www.paralysis.org - Free DVD patient education material.               ◊SpinalInjury101.org      ◊BrainInjury101.org

 

 

 

 

  • WAR- Within Arms Reach : Valley Regional Medical Center supported program that brings information regarding falls to the pediatric population.  Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading cause of childhood death and disability worldwide.  During an 18 month study Valley Regional Medical Center, there were 1,052 children under 17 diagnosed with head and face injuries as a result of a fall.  Suggested safety measures are listed in the pamplet.  www.ValleyRegionalMedicalCenter.com

 

 

  • An Ounce of Prevention...Seven Super Steps to Safe Food in the Summer...During warm weather, it is especially important to take extra precautions and practice safe food handling when preparing  perishable foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, and egg products.  Follow the simple suggestions below to Fight BAC (Food Borne Bacteria!) and reduce the risk of food borne illness this summer.  1)  Wash your hands.  always wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.  2)  Marinating Mandate.  Always marinate food in the refrigerator.  Don‘t use sauce that was used to marinate raw meat or poultry on cooked food.  Reserve a portion of the unused marinade to use as a sauce.  3)  Hot, Hot, Hot.  When grilling foods, preheat the coals  on your grill for 20-30 minutes, or until the coals are lightly coated with ash.  4)  Temperature gauge.  Use a good thermometer to ensure that food reaches a safe internal temperature.  5)  Where‘s the beef?chichen? and fish?  Hamburgers should be cooked to 160F, while large cuts of beef such as roasts and steaks may be cooked to 145F for med rare or to 160F for medium.  Poultry must reach a temperature of 165F.  Fish should be opaque and flake easily.  6)  Stay away from that same old plate.  When taking foods off the grill, do not put cooked food items back on the same plate that held raw food, unless it has been washed with hot water and soap first.  And in hot weather (above 90F) foods should never sit out for more than one hour before going in the refrigerator.  7)  Icebox etiquette.  A full cooler with maintain its cold temperatures longer than one that is partially filled so it is important to pack plenty of extra ice or freezer packs to ensure a constant cold temperature.  Keep the cooler out of the direct sun.  Keep drinks in a separate cooler from foods.  The beverage cooler will be opened frequently while the food cooler stays cold.    Safe foods Information Resources:  www.foodsafety.gov/keep/events/summervacations, www.fightbac.org, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating, www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers, www.cdc.gov/foodsafety, www.fsis.usda.gov.

 

  •  An Ounce of Prevention.... Quitting Tobacco... Quitting tobacco is not easy as tobacco dependence is a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena.  Very few tobacco users can successfully quit the habit in their first attempt.  But the evidence is strong that it can be done.  From quit lines to counseling to prescription medicines, there are numerous ways to quit.  Tobacco Cessation Information Resources:  www.who.int/tobacco/quitting, www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit, www.dshs.state.tx.us/tobacco/quit, www.yesquit.org

 

 

 

  • An Ounce of Prevention....  Rain Good, Mosquitoes Bad...  As water levels rise after heavy rains, mosquito eggs can hatch within just a few days.  Mosquitoes lay eggs on standing waters that are left behind after rainfall.  To cut down on mosquitoes on your property, here are some healpful tips:  1)  Empty pots, buckets, or old tires that might hold onto water.  2)  Change your pet‘s water bowls at least once a day.  3)  Change out the water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week.  4)  Cover up trash containers that might collect water.  5)  Repair any leaking plumbing like faucets outside.  6)  Keep drains and ditches clear of weekds and trash so water won‘t collect there.  Also remember to take care of your skin:  1)Cover up your skin as much as possible, while staying comfortable.  2)  Always use a mosquito repellant-especially ones that contain DEET.  3)  Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing so spray your clothes.  Mosquito Borne Disease Information Resources:  www.dshs.state.ts.us/preparedness/facesheet_mosquitoes, www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases, www.who.int/denguecontrol/mosquito.                                                                                                           

 Texas Department of State Health Services:  HEALTH ADVISORY:  MUMPS.. April 12, 2017                                                                                  The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating multiple outbreaks of mumps throughout the state of Texas.  The recent resurgence of the mumps virus has resulted in Texas experiencing the highest incident of mumps in 22 years.  State, regional, and local health deparments are currently investigating mulitple outbreaks throughout the state.  Due to the highly communicable nature of this disease, please consider mumps as a diagnosis for any patient presenting with the following symptoms, particularly those who have traveled out of the state of have come incontact with known mumps cases:  unilateral or bilateral swelling of the parotid or salivary glands preceded by a low-grade fever, myalgia, malaise, or headache.  Complications or other presentations are rare and usually mild but include deafness, pancreatitis, oophoritis, meningitis, and encephalatitis.  Additionaly, up to 20 percent of those infected may be asymptomatic.  Vacccination:  Check the baccination status of all patients and offer vaccine to anyone that is not up-to-date.  CDC guidance for mumps vaccinations may be found at www.ced.gov/mumps/vaccination.html.  Disease Rreporting:  Several texas laws require specific information regarding notifiable conditions be provided to DSHS.  healthcare providers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, childcare facilities and others are required to report patietns who are suspected of having mumps.  In Texas, diagnosis or suspicion of mumps is required to be reported within one work day.  Do not wait for laboratory confirmation to report suspect mumps cases.  mumps reports should be made to your local health department or by calling 800-705-8868. 

Programs of Interest

  • Road ID Bracelets - www.roadid.com – athletic bracelet with information in the event of an emergency.
  • Free Poison Control application by  Apple.   Goto the app store search POISON HELP.  Highlights of app:  Improve response time and assistance for poison emergencies, home safety tips for parents/caregivers to prevent poisonings, first aid treatment for poisonings, and access to the most up to date recall information. (i.e. related to food, medications, and safety equipment products), medication identification tool, and fun poison-related activities and games.
  • I.C.E. app -  In Case of Emergency.  Brought to you by Acadian Ambulance Service.  ICE places your emergency contact on your phone‘s home or lock screen, making it visible if your phone is lost or if you are unable to communicate.  Also, ensures that medical personnel know about any special needs or conditions you may have.  This is a free download.  Goto the app store or Google play by searching "Acadian I.C.E."  For more details goto the acadian.com/ICE.
  • ImmTrac - Texas Immunization Registry- confidential central respository of immunization records for Texans.  It is designed to consolidate immunization records from multiple sources statewide and to be used in aiding, coordinating, and promoting efficient and cost effective communicable disease prevention and control efforts.  It is a free service by DSHS.  Highlights of Registry:  consolidates immunization record in one centralized system.  It will send reminders or recall information about immunizations.  It will meet school and college entry requirements, and First Responders provides easy access to immunization histories during response efforts throughout the State of Texas to ensure protection from communicable disease exposure when responding to an emergency.  The registry also provides the opportunity for the immediate family members of first responders to participate in ImmTrac.  Contact information:  ImmTrac Customer Support www.ImmTrac.com or email ImmTrac@dshs.state.tx.us.
  • HOTRAC developed "FOREVER15" drowning awareness video.  Search through YouTube "Forever 15" or goto www.hotrac.org injury prevention and link is their to FOREVER 15 PSA 1 and PSA 2.
  • Arrive Alive Tour – www.AriveAliveTour.com – Texting and Driving Stimulator. High school and college target audience.
  • The Amber Menefee Mobile Memorial – www.ambersmobilememorial.org – mobile memorial to tell the story of results of drinking and driving.
  • Active Shooter program. City of Houston and Homeland Security made 6 minute educational video. See it on YouTube.
  • Flash Point and Shots Fired for Healthcare program.  A video that will empower health professionals to protect themselves and those they care for.  To view the video portion of Flash Point and Shots Fired for Healthcare, please use the link below and log-in.  www.cppssite.com/healthcare  Username:  cpps  Password:  healthcare.
  • Texas Department of Transportation Distracted Driving program. Handouts available for key messages, statistics, and media question and answers. Additional information can be found at www.distration.gov, on Facebook, and Youtube to educate drivers on the dangers associated with distracted driving.
  • The Driver Responsibility Program: A Texas-Sized Failure. Sponsored by the Texas Criminal Justice coalition in 2003 for the purpose of enhancing public safety. Additional information can be found at www.TexasCJC.org.
  • Faces of Drunk Driving - The shocking stories of drinking and driving that have been life changing.  Very emotionally charged.
  • September 1, 2013, Govenor Rick Perry signed three critical pieces of legislation that will impact heart disease and stroke throughout Texas;  HB 897- 2014-15 school year will help train an army of lifesavers in CPR throughout Texas, HB740 - Require newborn screening for critical congenital heart defects and AHA will advocate for the use of pulse oximetry through rules at the Texas Department of State Health services over the summer, and SB 1 - Rider for $5 million appropriate to the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke of which $500,00 is to be used for stroke/stemi data collection and 4.5 million will be utilized for stroke systems of care coordination.
  • National Domestic Preparedness Coalition- Global Center for Threat, Risk, and Vulnerability.  FDA issued a safetycommunication on HearStart automated external defibrillators (AED) devices made by Philips Medical System.  These AED‘s may be unable to deliver needed defribrillator shock in a cardiac emergency situation.  These devices were manufactured between 2005-2012 under the names HeartStart FRx, HeartStart HS1 Home and HeartStart HS1OnSite.  Announced bulletin 12/4/13.
  • Substance Abuse Prevention Resource- Myra Davis is an educator on substance abuse and addiction.  It is her belief that teaching prevention is crucial to keeping future generations from going down the dangerous path of addiction.  She has put together her own guide for prevention that she wanted to share:  "Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention" - www.bestdrugrehabilitation.com/prevention

 

State Programs

These Spectrum of Prevention and Glossary papers are available and can be obtained from the Regional Advisory Council office.  TETAF 2013-2014 Injury Prevention Campaign will be distracted driving, including texting while driving.  For more information - www.tetaf.org/distracteddriving

  • Pediatric InterFacility Transfer Tool Kit -TETAF host nationally developed pediatric tool kit that features hospitals best practices and current literature.  This booklet is downloadable free.  41 pages - color.  www.tetaf.org

 

  • Texas Plan to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Texas - DSHS presents downloadable information regarding Cardiovascular and Stroke care in Texas.  www.dshs.state.tx.us

 

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