Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital has begun replacing their emergency medical services (EMS) trucks with innovatively designed trucks to better serve residents in Spalding County. Easily recognizable, the first two of the bright red and white trucks with large purple lettering are now on the streets providing the latest in life-saving technologies for Spalding County, and backup emergency response care for Henry, Lamar, Butts and Pike counties.
The larger of the two EMS trucks is a tall, diesel-driven critical care vehicle equipped with advanced cardiac equipment. The truck also has the capacity to transport up to three patients at one time and is outfitted for neonatal transport. Additionally, it could be used to transport air flight crews to and from the scene and the hospital.
Both trucks feature innovative monitors and mobile hotspots to advance EMS’ use of telemedicine, linking the paramedic, physician and patient while en route to the hospital. Wellstar Spalding Regional EMS was the first to launch this webcam capacity in Georgia.
Each truck is also part of an Infectious Disease Transport Network, the only one between Atlanta and Macon. As members of this network, Wellstar Spalding Regional’s award-winning team of EMS paramedics and EMTs are specially trained and can turn either truck into an “isopod” isolation unit for emerging infectious diseases.
To reduce the number of paramedic back injuries caused by heavy lifting, the trucks incorporate new automated stretchers. These units provide support for emergency personnel by removing the need to lift a 75-pound stretcher along with the weight of the patient. This equipment is well-positioned to save EMS personnel from debilitating back injuries and lengthy rehabilitations, the number one cause of career ending disability in the EMS industry. Considered the safest in the industry, the stretchers also incorporate safety lockdowns from front to back, ensuring the patient is secure while in the truck.
Spalding Regional’s EMS paramedics and EMT’s provided input on the unique internal design to maximize efficiency and safety. For example, the trucks have been fitted with an automated lift to load and unload the large, extremely heavy, oxygen tanks that assist patients experiencing difficulty breathing. Jonathon Johnson, Director of Wellstar Spalding Regional’s EMS is proud of his team.
“Paramedics and EMT’s play a vital role in any system of care, often the first line of medical care for critical patients. This new equipment expands the safety for our patients and our personnel, and continues our long history of dedication and commitment to improvement of patient care in this community.”
Wellstar EMS is available 24/7 and responds to more than 16,500 calls annually with each truck in the fleet running between 200 and 250 hours each month. Each new truck costs the hospital between $150k and $180k. This first new critical care vehicle was purchased and outfitted through a gift from the Dundee Community Association to the Wellstar Foundation.
To keep up with the community’s high-demand, Spalding Regional has plans to replace seven additional trucks and add one more Critical Care truck to its fleet. Donations to the Foundation help. Every dollar designated to Spalding Regional funds much-needed projects that support the health and well-being of the local community. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit wellstar.org/give or call (770) 956-GIVE (4483).
New Emergency Equipment to Save Lives
Wellstar Spalding Regional Reveals New EMS Equipment
Published on September 15, 2019
Last updated 06:03 PM August 11, 2020
The larger of the two new EMS trucks is equipped with advanced cardiac equipment.
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Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Reverified a Level II Trauma Center
Wellstar Health System, which has one of the largest trauma networks in the state, is proud to announce that Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center was again verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and American College of Surgeons (ACS). Wellstar North Fulton has been a Level II Trauma Center since 1987 and was the first in Georgia to be verified by the American College of Surgeons in 2015. This marks the third time the hospital has been designated a Level II Trauma Center, demonstrating its commitment to patients in their time of need.
The option to be verified by the ACS is voluntary and is in addition to the State of Georgia designations. Only a handful of trauma centers are verified by the ACS in Georgia, even though they have state designations.
“This designation represents a unique distinction for a community hospital because it demonstrates we are managing trauma cases according to the highest national standards,” said Mark Gravlee, MD, trauma medical director, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “We are reevaluated by the ACS every three years and continue to meet their rigorous standards, so patients in North Fulton and surrounding communities can rest assured they’ll be cared for expertly and with excellence now and well into the future.”
Wellstar North Fulton’s highly skilled trauma team is ready 24/7 to save lives. Level II Trauma Centers provide 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons, as well as coverage by the specialties of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care. They also offer trauma prevention and continuing education programs for staff, and a comprehensive quality assessment program. Wellstar North Fulton has board-certified trauma surgeons standing by to offer a heightened level of care.
“We are proud to receive this designation again, and more importantly, to be able to offer the advanced care our patients in Northeast Atlanta suffering from accidents, incidents and injuries need,” said Jon-Paul Croom, president, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center and senior vice president, Wellstar Health System. “This designation is a shining example of our commitment to deliver world-class care to every patient, every time.”
Other trauma centers across the System include Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (Level II), Wellstar Cobb Medical Center (Level III), Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center (Level IV), and Wellstar Paulding Medical Center (Level IV). Wellstar’s Trauma Network serves patients across the state of Georgia, and the health system is proud to play a critical role in Georgia’s trauma network, collaborating with peers across the state to ensure patients receive the care they need.
Highlights
Feeling Sick? Know Where to Go to Get Care
Whether you experience an injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent your condition from worsening.
With primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, as well as retail pharmacies, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation? Learn the differences between each type of medical service so you don’t delay and get care right away.
Local Pharmacies
If you are ill and have minor symptoms, over-the-counter medications can help you feel better. At your local retail pharmacy, you can find over-the-counter treatments for minor conditions like colds. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away with over-the-counter treatments, contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care location.
Local pharmacies also carry at-home COVID-19 tests, offering a convenient testing option for people who have been exposed or are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19.
Virtual Care
Whether you have a busy schedule or are just looking for a more convenient option, virtual appointments are an easy way to keep up with your health from anywhere.
At Wellstar, we offer virtual visits with both primary care providers and specialists — no matter if you are an established patient or not. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet.
If you’re an established patient, simply request a virtual visit through MyChart. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to sign up for MyChart and keep all of your important health information in one secure space. You can also call your physician’s office directly and request a virtual appointment over the phone.
These days, many types of appointments can be done virtually, including consultations, care for chronic conditions and prescription management. In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide virtual urgent care through WellstarON for minor medical concerns.
While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away.
Primary Care
Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life.
Your primary care provider — either an internal or family medicine physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, depending on your age and medical needs — gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more accurate view of your overall wellness.
Services include:
- Annual wellness exams
- Health screenings, labs and imaging
- Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Immunizations for children and adults
- Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds
- Coordinating care with other specialists
- Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety
Find a Wellstar primary care provider in your neighborhood.
Urgent Care
If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions.
We also offer urgent care through WellstarON, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home.
Wellstar Urgent Care provides:
- Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones
- Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts
- COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older
- Lab and X-rays
- Sports physicals
- Occupational health services
- Worker’s compensation services
Find a Wellstar urgent care location near you or make a virtual urgent care appointment.
Emergency Care
In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care.
When the unexpected happens, Wellstar is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We even have several pediatric emergency room locations, specifically designed to treat children.
Recognize the signs of a medical emergency:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes
- Sudden, severe pain
- Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
- Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior
- Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents
Find a Wellstar emergency department close to you. Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital.
Highlights
Wellstar Midwives Support Women's Best Health
From welcoming a child to well woman’s exams and health education, women have a partner and advocate in Wellstar’s certified nurse midwives.
Midwives are registered nurses who have received additional education and training in comprehensive care for women. While they may be associated with childbirth — and do support patients through every aspect of labor and delivery — they also offer personalized care for women through every phase of life.
“Midwives do everything spanning from well women’s health, like annual exams, birth control, IUDs and Nexplanon insertions, to all of the prenatal care, so taking care of women from the time of conception throughout delivery and postpartum,” said Emily Goolsby, a certified nurse midwife at Wellstar.
Midwives collaborate with other members of a patient’s care team, including nurses and OB/GYNs, to provide comprehensive care during birth. Whether the patient has a natural childbirth or a medically-assisted birth, midwives provide personalized, expert care and advocate for the patient.
“We support all aspects of birth. We are there for the patients who are laboring naturally and want to be on the birthing ball or moving around, but sometimes the patient says their goal is to feel as little pain as possible,” Goolsby said. “Then, my goal is to advocate for those interventions as soon as possible. It’s all about making the birth experience what our patients want and supporting our patients in that environment.”
Numerous studies have shown the highest quality comprehensive birth experiences come from a multidisciplinary treatment team of midwives and OB/GYNs supporting and caring for a mom together.
“We’re championing for patients’ best outcomes and their babies, and it tends to decrease interventions overall that are unnecessary,” Goolsby said.
After the patient gives birth, midwives support patients through education on parenting topics such as breastfeeding and newborn care.
Midwives care for patients at these Wellstar locations — Wellstar Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, North Fulton, West Georgia and Spalding medical centers. If you already have a Wellstar OB/GYN, ask your provider about working with a midwife. If you need a new provider, find a Wellstar OB/GYN location near you.