Huntington Hospital's Trauma Program Manager, Sue O'Connell RN, BSN, CEN, PCEN, took time from her busy day to meet with members of the East Northport Fire Department on Thursday, January 21st.
Mrs.O'Connell spoke to the capabilities of the hospital and their journey to achieve verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Level 3 Trauma Center. The only current ACS verified Trauma centers on Long Island are North Shore University Hospital (Level 1), Cohen's Children's Medical Center (Level 1 Pediatric), and Southside Hospital (Level 2), all members of Northwell Health.
There was discussion about the expectations of EMS and proper care in the pre-hospital environment. Topics such as notification of serious patients prior to arrival at the hospital and new spinal immobilazation protocols were just some of the numerous items relevant to the members. O'Connell praised the members of the ENFD for their exemplary work and dedication to the community and encouraged increased collaboration between EMS and the hospital Emergency Department. The members of the Department brought up some concerns and suggestions which Mrs. O'Connell assured she would bring back to the Huntington Hospital Emergency Department.
The visit from Huntington Hospital was part of the ENFDs monthly rescue training. The Rescue Squad conducts training for the members on subjects ranging from safe moving of patients, to working with paramedics, to fireground rescue operations, to name but a few. In 2015, ENFD responded to approximately 2000 EMS calls, the majority of which were transported to Huntington Hospital.
Huntington Hospital is a member of Northwell Health, formerly the North Shore - LIJ health System.