Hospitals/Medical Care in Idaho Falls?

[zarabeth]

We don't have the Merci device in our very rural little town in Delaware.....sounds like a wonderful thing, and I am glad the young mother is safe.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Sometimes people wonder about the level of sophistication and equipment available in Idaho Falls hospitals. Read the following story posted by KPVI television station, to learn more about a man who sought medical car in Boise or Idaho Falls.


From KPVI
NewsChannel6 - EIRMC Saves Man's Leg - and Possibly His Life for the video.

Per chance you can't pull up the video or you want to read more about this, here is the text.

"One man was told by doctors in Boise that his leg would have to be amputated, but a second opinion brought him to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. There, doctors used a new technology to save his limb - and his life. Suzanne Hobbs has details.

"In July, Robert Lowe from Hailey cut his foot. The wound was infected and not healing. Doctors in Boise said his leg needed to be amputated.

"Robert Lowe, leg was saved at EIRMC: "I really got angry at 'em. I said, 'Look, nobody said anything to me about anything other than all you want to do is cut my leg off.'"

"He refused to amputate, and went looking for another opinion and hopefully, another option. He found it at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

"Fritz Schmutz, M.D., EIRMC radiologist: "His blockages were preventing him from getting enough blood supply to allow him to heal. He has very bad disease of his arteries that led to the non-healing wound."

"Ten days ago, Dr. Fritz Schmutz performed a procedure called Endovascular Atherectomy. It's less invasive than the preferred option of surgery, and has a recovery time of hours, not days and weeks. For many patients like Robert, it's their last hope over amputation. Robert did have to lose two toes, but after the procedure, the blood flow returned to the rest of his left leg.

"Robert Lowe, leg was saved at EIRMC: "Dr. Schmutz used that new procedure to clean the arteries out, and so I still have my foot. I'm feeling pretty good. I can walk around now. Still a little painful, but starting to get back to a normal regimen."

"And although he's not out of the woods yet, Robert's prognosis is good that he'll get to keep his leg.

"Fritz Schmutz, M.D., EIRMC radiologist: "Our primary success rates in taking care of problems like Mr. Lowe's is very, very high."

"...Good news for a man who wants to continue to enjoy his retirement years by staying active on both his feet.

"As a preventative measure, Robert will have the same procedure to clear the arteries to his right leg next month."

Good luck Mr. Lowe!

[Mtn. States Resident]

A very, very credible source hinted a big annoucement about EIRMC will be made prior to 2008. Residents, as well as visitors will benefit.

Good for EIRMC, given the not so indirect attacks from two hospitals in particular. However, one cleverly disguises their attacks so unless a person knows how rankings are achieved, they could easily be misled.

I find it very, very difficult to believe that NO Boise area hospital, Kootenai and EIRMC were "in the running" so-to-speak, compared to one who is marketing so much currently its recent awards. But, then the Boise area hospitals, KMH and EIRMC all have ESTABLISHED specialty programs and have had them functional for years. All of those established programs take much higher risk patients, given the teams they have assembled and the years of experience doing procedures.

So not only the healthiest, the right aged patient and other selection factors were used, per sources I can't quote as they still fear disciplinary action and/or termination from that institution if any information that doesn't paint everything as superior at their employer. It had to be the right time for optimal press and review.

Don't worry if you don't understand this post. Those who are involved in healthcare will know what I mean. If they are physicians, nursing personnel or other essential hospital personnel, I hope this information helps those considering relocation in Idaho and where.

I'm looking forward to EIRMC's announcement. I hope after it's made at least two other ID links, and let alone national links, are still available to let visitors and residents know more than local spin by other hospitals .

[Mtn. States Resident]

The press release came out earlier than originally scheduled, but what great news for those who live in Idaho Falls, eastern ID, western MT and southern MT as well as visitors to Yellowstone National Park, the Tetons and Jackson Hole, among other tourist destinations.

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, in Idaho Falls, is the only Certified Trauma Center in Idaho, by the American College of Surgeons, now has finally be awarded Level II Trauma Designation!!!!

Andrew Del Greco, from KPVI, reported the following:

Reporter: Andrew Del Greco
EIRMC Trauma Center Receives Rare Distinction

Posted: Nov 20, 2007 07:14 PM MST


"Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center announced today that is has achieved a rare accomplishment. Andrew Del Greco reports on their new distinction.

"There are more than 5,000 hospitals throughout the United States. Just 113 of those are verified Level Two Trauma Centers, known for their top-notch care of serious injuries. EIRMC is the only one in Idaho.

"The bird's eye view of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center from the Air Idaho helicopter is a view that, if we're lucky, we'll never see again.

"But for those who do sustain life-threatening injuries, they and their families can rest assured under the care of EIRMC.

"Dr. Brian O' Byrne: " 'With the recent verification, we've been upgraded to a designation of Level 2."

"A verified Level II trauma center - a very prestigious distinction.

"O' Byrne: " 'It says a lot about our administration and staff that we'd want to come up to national standards with trauma center requirements."

"There are just 113 Level Twos in the nation. They see 95% of trauma patients, like burn and car crash victims, and they pride themselves on being a well-coordinated team.

"Karla Bryan, EIRMC: " 'It's really exciting to see how the team responds at once when trauma is paged out.' "

"During resuscitation, various departments all work together -- radiologists, clinical, intensive and cardiac care team leaders, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, social workers who will notify family members, and a house supervisor who will watch as it all unfolds.

"Bryan: 'The patient comes in and the whole team descends on the room even before patients gets there. It's expedited care, it shows what excellent care we can give trauma patients.' "

"Level II status was achieved after EIRMC's Trauma Care Center received high performance marks from the American College of Surgeons - and now EIRMC's already great reputation and morale has been lifted even higher.

"Bryan: "It's great to see the enthusiasm of the whole system -- the whole team! ' "

KPVI, KIFI and KIDK all have their video and printed versions of this story.

A couple of extra facts from the EIRMC website: (Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center - Home Page)

"EIRMC’s Trauma Center Earns Prestigious Verification.
Hospital moves up a level; remains Idaho’s only Verified Trauma Center.

"Idaho Falls, Idaho – Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, the only verified trauma center in Idaho, has been upgraded to a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

"The elevation from a Level III status distinguishes that EIRMC has voluntarily met demanding ACS criteria that assure topnotch capability and performance.
Brian O’Byrne, M.D., EIRMC’s Trauma Center Medical Director, likes to compare the Trauma Team to a well-trained race car pit crew. “ 'Some things have to be done very quickly in trauma situations or it will harm outcomes,' ” he said."

"Among the many requirements for moving up to Level II was formalizing EIRMC’s “bypass” policy (for when patient traffic is too high to absorb additional patients – a rarity), and documenting an 18-month track record of continuing medical education credits for EIRMC trauma surgeons in advanced subspecialty courses in trauma care.

"The hospital met these milestones and others since last being verified, in 2004, as a Level III Trauma Center. At that time, there were two other verified trauma centers in Idaho, but the designation was later removed from the others, leaving only EIRMC verified as continuing to meet the rigorous standards.

"“Fast Facts” about trauma:
o Trauma is a severe injury caused by physical force (such as a car crash or gunshot).
o Trauma is the most common cause of death in people between the ages of 1 and 45.
o Almost 100,000 people die from trauma each year in the U.S. (half from car crashes).
o EIRMC is the region’s referral center, home to an Emergency Department serving over 40,000 patients each year.
o Trauma verification is a rare distinction reserved only for hospitals demonstrating the highest level of service. Of the nearly 5,000 hospitals in America, only 252 are verified trauma centers, and only 113 are verified at Level II.
Impact of Trauma Center verification:
“Fifteen years ago if a person came to the ER, we assembled the medical team, but it took time. We had to individually call in all the various specialties required to provide the care, and all the while, the clock was ticking,” said Dr. O’Byrne. “Now, we’re ready before the patient gets here. The person with traumatic injuries is met by a large team of fully prepared physicians, therapists, radiologists and so forth so that care can be provided much more efficiently.”

BEFORE

Trauma patient arrived and received care like any other emergency patient.

Trauma patient forced to wait while necessary staff were individually summoned and assembled.

o ED Physician
o Trauma Surgeon
o ED RNs
o ICU RN
o Cardiac Care RN
o OR/Anesthesia
o Lab
o X-ray Tech
o CT Tech
o Respiratory Therapy
o Pharmacy
o House Supervisor
o Social Services
o Security
o Admissions

IMPACT

“Golden Hour” often lost.

AFTER

Entire trauma team stands ready and waiting for patient’s arrival. (Group page summons entire team).

CT table held open.

Operating Room held on standby.

Universal blood immediately available

Patient registered as “John/Jane Doe” prior to arrival, expediting electronic entry of lab, x-ray, CT, and blood bank orders.

Each specially-trained trauma team member performs unique, focused, specific role.

Everything the trauma patient might need has been anticipated and is poised for immediate use in assessing and caring for the patient upon arrival.

Assessment, stabilization and interventions are done quickly and efficiently.

Family support is immediately available.


IMPACT

Survival rates are increased.

Long-term patient outcomes are improved.

Care is better coordinated, delivered calmly, and no chaotic “crisis” environment is fostered.

“Golden Hour” preserved.

Congratulations EIRMC for finally being awarded the well-deserved award!

[Mtn. States Resident]

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), the entity that grants Trauma Designation throught the U.S. (providing standardization), has a useful link to anyone thinking of moving or taking a trip. These are ACS's approved Trauma I and Trauma II Hospitals in the U.S.

American College of Surgeons Trauma Programs: Verified Trauma Centers


Some states are not participating in this standard program right now, as they are trying to design their own protocols for their states.

Indeed, there is debate about that even in Idaho. However, EIRMC went ahead and got the nationally recognized designation so visitors and residnets would know the care available in CA or CT etc. at a Level II Trauma Center is also available at EIRMC in Idaho Falls.