http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specificationIn the News 2 Blogwww.medstar911.orgMatt Zavadskyhttp://www.medstar911.orgMon, 20 May 2013 11:59:42 GMTIn the News 2 BlogSun, 19 May 2013 23:24:40 GMTMedStar Lends Support for Granbury Tornado Tragedyhttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-lends-support-for-granbury-tornado-tragedySun, 19 May 2013 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyOn the evening of May 15th, the Hood County city of Granbury was devastated by tornado activity.  At the request of local authorities, MedStar responded to Granbury with 5 ambulances and our AMBUS, which is jointly operated with MedStar and the Fort Worth Fire Department.

 

In all, MedStar transported 17 patients from Ganbury to local Fort Worth Trauma Centers, 12 patients on the AMBUS, and 5 patients by traditional ground ambulance.  Click the links below to view media reports about the incident and MedStar's response.

 

NBC-5 MedStar on Scene

ABC-8 Live Interview

FOX 4 Live Interview

CNN Live Interview

CBS-11 Live Interview

CBS-11 2nd Live Interview

 

 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-lends-support-for-granbury-tornado-tragedyTake 20 For Life Program Launches!http://www.medstar911.org/take-20-for-life-program-launchesSun, 19 May 2013 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyMedStar, the Fort Worth Emergency Services Collaborative, the Fort Worth Fire Department, CBS 11 and TXA 21 have partnered to bring you the "Take 20 for Life" Program. 

Click Here for the introductory announcement

Click Here to learn how to take the 1st step to save a life!

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/take-20-for-life-program-launchesMedStar Employees Recognized for Heroic Acthttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-employees-recognized-for-heroic-actFri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyAt 12:49:40 on the morning of April 25th, MedStar employees Kayden Bathory and Robert Long arrived first on scene at a rollover MVC and found and adult female inside the burning vehicle, unconscious and breathing.  Kayden and Robert used the fire extinguisher on the ambulance to temporarily subdue the fire long enough to pull the woman from the vehicle.

We are all very proud of Kayden and Robert!  The community recognition for their efforts is evident in the media coverage linked below:

NBC 5 Story 

FOX 4 Story

ABC 8 Story

Star-Telegram Story 

KRLD Story

WBAP Story

 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-employees-recognized-for-heroic-actMedStar Receives EMS-10 Innovation Award from JEMS Magazinehttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-recieves-ems-10-innovation-award-from-jems-magazineMon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyMarks the first time in the history of the award that an entire agency has won the award.  Click here for the full release.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-recieves-ems-10-innovation-award-from-jems-magazineCBS 11 Covers HB 1531 Allowing EMS Workers to Carry Gunshttp://www.medstar911.org/cbs-11-covers-hb-1531-allowing-ems-workers-to-carry-gunsWed, 27 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyCBS 11 covers HB 1531 filed by Representative King from Hemphill County.

 

Click here to view the story. 

 

This Bill allows EMS workers to carry firearms in the ambulance.

 

This Bill only applies to very rural counties (population <50,000 people) and is simply ‘enabling’ legislation (not mandating firearms) that allows local communities and local EMS agencies to decide whether or not they would like their EMS workers to carry firearms on the ambulance.

 

Click here to view MedStar's current position on this bill.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/cbs-11-covers-hb-1531-allowing-ems-workers-to-carry-gunsABC 8 Coverage of Ronnie's Funeralhttp://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-coveragef-of-ronnies-funeralSun, 17 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskySpecial thanks to all Ronnie's friends, and our MedStar family for providing an amazing and wonderful celebration of Ronnie's life and his influence on all of us.

 

Click here to view the ABC 8 news coverage of the funeral.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-coveragef-of-ronnies-funeralABC 8 Honors Ronnie Fergusonhttp://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-honors-ronnie-fergusonFri, 15 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyABC 8 highlights Ronnie's career and his commitment to our community.

 

Click here to see the full story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-honors-ronnie-fergusonNBC 5 Profiles Ronnie Ferguson's Legacyhttp://www.medstar911.org/nbc-5-profiles-ronnie-fergusons-legacyFri, 15 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyOn Saturday, February 9th, our community and profession lost an amazing role model and care giver.  NBC 5 profiles Ronnie Ferguson's life and legacy.

 

Click here to view this amazing story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/nbc-5-profiles-ronnie-fergusons-legacyCardiac Arrest Survivor Reinforces Need for CPR Traininghttp://www.medstar911.org/cardiac-arrest-survivor-reinforces-need-for-cpr-trainingWed, 13 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyNBC 5 profiles the experience of a cardiac arrest survivor and the importance of bystander CPR training and Automated Defibrillators.  Click here to view the story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/cardiac-arrest-survivor-reinforces-need-for-cpr-trainingMedStar's CHF Readmission Prevention Program Profiled on CBS 11 Newshttp://www.medstar911.org/medstars-chf-readmission-prevention-program-profiled-on-cbs-11-newsThu, 07 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyCBS-11 news profiled MedStar's CHF readmission prevention program, impact one of the clients enrolled in the program, and the motivation for paramedics involved in the program.

 

Click here to view the news story

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstars-chf-readmission-prevention-program-profiled-on-cbs-11-news*UPDATED* MedStar "Wall-Breaking" for New Headquartershttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-wall-breaking-for-new-headquartersMon, 04 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyMedStar and local officials kicked off renovations on a $10.75 million new headquarters anticipated for relocation January 2014.  Click here to see an artist rendering of the new facility. 

 

On February 5, CBS - 11's Joel Thomas aired a story with unique insight into the needs for this new facility.

 

Links for local media coverage:

 

CBS 11

 

NBC 5

 

FOX 4

 

WBAP

 

Star-Telegram

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-wall-breaking-for-new-headquartersMedStar featured on CBS Evening Newshttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-featured-on-cbs-evening-newsSat, 26 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyJohn Bentley from CBS News visited MedStar this week and filmed a feature story on the impact of the flu on MedStar's call volume.  Click here to see the story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-featured-on-cbs-evening-newsMedStar Crews Handle Flu Related Call Volume Increasehttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-crews-handle-flu-related-call-volume-increaseWed, 16 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyCBS 11 and NBC 5 highlight the impact the flu season is having on MedStar's 9-1-1 response volume and the steps being taken to assure increased demand is met.

 

Click here for the CBS 11 Story and Click here for the NBC 5 Story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-crews-handle-flu-related-call-volume-increaseFOX 4 News Story on MedStar Community Healthhttp://www.medstar911.org/fox-4-news-story-on-medstar-community-healthThu, 03 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyFOX 4 News profiles the impact of MedStar's Community Health Program on a patient and healthcare expenditures.  Click here for the full story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/fox-4-news-story-on-medstar-community-healthMedStar Operations During Christmas Day Snowhttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-operations-during-christmas-day-snowWed, 26 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyMedStar's staff performed admirably during the winter storm on Christmas day 2012.  Click here for a summary of the media coverage of the event.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-operations-during-christmas-day-snowStar-Telegram Story on Community Health Programhttp://www.medstar911.org/star-telegram-story-on-community-health-programWed, 26 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyMitch Mitchell of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram updates his previous report on MedStar's Community Health Program.  Click here for the full story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/star-telegram-story-on-community-health-programMedStar Offers Tips on Cold-Weather Emergencieshttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-offers-tips-on-cold-weather-emergenciesMon, 10 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyNow that we’ve experienced our first frigid weather morning, MedStar has put into place our modified response procedures elevating call priorities for patients who are outside in an unprotected environment and identifying members of our community who should be taken to emergency shelters. 

 

It’s also a good time to review cold weather precautions for the upcoming winter months.

Click Here for Cold Weather Tips

 

 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-offers-tips-on-cold-weather-emergenciesMedStar and Fort Worth Fire Dept. Partner to bring AMBUS to Regionhttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-and-fort-worth-fire-dept-partner-to-bring-ambus-to-regionThu, 06 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyUnique specialty vehicle to be used for large-scale events and as a mobile clinic.

 

Star-Telegram AMBUS Story 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-and-fort-worth-fire-dept-partner-to-bring-ambus-to-regionMedStar Focuses on Drowning Preventionhttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-focuses-on-drowning-preventionMon, 20 Aug 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyIn the wake of 4 pediatric drowning calls in the past 2 weeks, MedStar worked with local media partners to focus on a "2 seconds is too long" campaign to educate parents on the importance of continuously watching kids in water.

Click here for NBC 5 Story

Click here for ABC 8 Story

Click here for the WBAP Story

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-focuses-on-drowning-preventionMedStar Hosts EMS Visitors from the United Kingdomhttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-hosts-ems-visitors-from-the-united-kingdomFri, 03 Aug 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt Zavadsky6 leaders from South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust visit MedStar to learn about High Performance EMS and Community Health. 

Click here for NBC-5 News Story

Click here for CBS-11 News Story 

 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-hosts-ems-visitors-from-the-united-kingdomABC-8 Report in Summer Heathttp://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-report-in-summer-heatFri, 03 Aug 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyFORT WORTH - MedStar reports that the number of heat-related calls they’ve responded to this summer have increased by about 12 percent.  Click here for the full story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-report-in-summer-heatNBC-5 News Report on MedStar's Response to Heat Callshttp://www.medstar911.org/nbc-5-news-report-on-medstars-response-to-heat-callsWed, 27 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyNBC-5 Reports on MedStar's responses to heat calls.  Click here for full story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/nbc-5-news-report-on-medstars-response-to-heat-callsABC-8 Ride Along Heat Emergency Reporthttp://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-ride-along-heat-emergency-reportWed, 27 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyWFAA Reporter Wyatt Goolsby rides along with MedStar Supervisor Roland Hernandez on heat-related medical calls.  Click here for full story.

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-ride-along-heat-emergency-reportMedStar offers tips to stay safe in and near waterhttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-offers-tips-to-stay-safe-in-and-near-waterMon, 18 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyJune 18, 2012 (Fort Worth, Texas) For many, beating the Texas heat involves staying cool in the our area lakes and pools. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (www.NDPA.org), last summer, 1,592 people drowned in the United States, 416 of these were children nationwide under the age of 12. Texas lead the nation in 2011 with 140 open water drowning cases. MedStar has already responded to seven drowning calls since May 1, and summer has not even officially begun.

Here are some important tips as we enter the summer pool and lake season:

MedStar_-_Water_Safety_2012.pdf

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-offers-tips-to-stay-safe-in-and-near-waterMedStar Launches 9-1-1 Nurse Triage Programhttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-launches-9-1-1-nurse-triage-programFri, 25 May 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyUnder this program, very low-acuity or no acuity 9-1-1 medical calls will be transferred to a specially trained RN in MedStar’s communication center. The RN will further evaluate the medical needs of the patient to assure no probability of a medical emergency exists, then work with the patient to find them the best resource to address their medical condition.

 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-launches-9-1-1-nurse-triage-programLocal and National Media Links on MedStar's 9-1-1 Nurse Triage Programhttp://www.medstar911.org/local-and-national-media-links-on-medstars-9-1-1-nurse-triage-programFri, 25 May 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyNBC-5 Story

NBC-5 Live from Comm Center

CBS - 11 Story

EMS World Story

JEMS Story

Star-Telegram Story

 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/local-and-national-media-links-on-medstars-9-1-1-nurse-triage-programMedStar Honors Kid Herohttp://www.medstar911.org/medstar-honor-kid-heroFri, 25 May 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyAn 11-year-old girl received an award Monday for calling for help after her mother became unconscious in their north Fort Worth home.

NBC 5 Report

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-honor-kid-heroMedStar concerned about mock "Slambulance"http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-concerned-about-mock-slambulanceFri, 25 May 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyIt has a boxy silhouette, ambulance decal up front, and red and blue lights.

But take a closer look at an old ambulance parked in a Fort Worth Parking lot, and you find that the DFW Cougar and Kitten Rescue "Slambulance" is complete with bar seating, and what appears to be a stripper pole in back.

ABC-8 Report

NBC-5 Report

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/medstar-concerned-about-mock-slambulanceRider Alert motorcycle safety program makes Texas debuthttp://www.medstar911.org/rider-alert-the-motorcycle-safety-program-makes-texas-debutWed, 25 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyRider Alert, the motorcycle safety program makes it’s Texas debut as thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts head to Ft. Worth the weekend of May 4th through 6th for the Texas State Harley Owner’s Group rally at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Rider Alert program provides free identification data cards that will help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to riders involved in accidents.

 

“Many motorcycle crash victims are unconscious when responders arrive making it very difficult for EMS personnel to know the patient’s medical history or emergency contacts” explains John Elder, MedStar’s Clinical Director. “Another major concern for crash victims are untrained Good Samaritans attempting to remove the rider’s helmet, which can cause further injury.”

 

The Rider Alert card (www.RiderAlert.org) is placed inside a rider’s helmets and contains vital, life-saving information, emergency contact, and any important medical history. When first responders arrive on the scene of a motorcycle accident, a one-inch, sticker on the outside of the helmet will indicate that the biker has the Rider Alert Card. The sticker also warns untrained responders not to remove the helmet, which could prevent further injury.

 

Matt Zavadsky of MedStar explains that this card is born out of experience; it has been designed by paramedics who have been on both sides of an accident as the injured rider or as medical help. “As an EMS provider and a motorcycle rider, I’ll be the 1st person to have the Rider Alert card and sticker on my helmet. Accessing this basic information after an ‘unscheduled dismount’ can sometimes be impossible. This small tool could mean the difference between life and death.”

 

The card is free and can be obtained at any Fort Worth Fire Station, MedStar’s headquarters and at most motorcycle dealerships throughout Fort Worth.

 

Further information can be accessed via www.rideralert.org

 

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/rider-alert-the-motorcycle-safety-program-makes-texas-debutABC 8 Story on Keeping Kids Safehttp://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-story-on-keeping-kids-safeWed, 28 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMTMatt ZavadskyMatt ZavadskyMore than 300 children were taken to the hospital because of auto-pedestrian accidents in Tarrant County last year, a startling statistic that officials hope to change.

Click here to see the full story.

Special thanks to Macara Trusty for her help on this story!

]]>http://www.medstar911.org/abc-8-story-on-keeping-kids-safe