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 Recognized for Expert Patient Care
Wellstar is dedicated to serving our communities with high-quality care that’s conveniently located and accessible when it is needed most.
Several Wellstar facilities have been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings for providing world-class care in a variety of specialties, including cardiology, neurology and cancer care. Hospitals ranked as high-performing in an area of care are in the top 10 percent in the country.
Our team is grateful to be recognized for our care and looks forward to continuing our mission to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. To learn more about care at Wellstar, call (770) 956-STAR (7827).
Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center was recognized as high-performing in care for:
- Congestive heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Wellstar Cobb Medical Center was recognized as high-performing in treating:
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Heart attacks
- Kidney failure
- Strokes
Wellstar Douglas Medical Center was named high-performing in treating:
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Kidney failure
- Pneumonia
- Strokes
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center was ranked 32nd in the nation for rehabilitation services and the hospital ranked ninth in the state overall. It was also named a Best Regional Hospital and was recognized as high-performing in the following procedures and treatments:
- Heart bypass surgery
- Congestive heart failure
- Colon cancer surgery
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Heart attacks
- Hip replacement
- Kidney failure
- Knee replacement
- Lung cancer surgery
- Prostate cancer surgery
- Strokes
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center was recognized as high-performing in treating:
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Strokes
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center was named high-performing in care for:
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Hip fractures
- Kidney failure
- Pneumonia
Wellstar Spalding Medical Center was recognized as high-performing in treating:
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Strokes
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center was named high-performing in treating:
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Kidney failure
- Pneumonia
Highlights
Life-Saving Trauma and Emergency Care in Your Neighborhood
This summer, in addition to staying safe in hot weather, you can work to prevent driving-related injuries or deaths as you and your family travel for vacation or holidays. Driving sober and wearing a seatbelt can significantly reduce your chances of traumatic injury or injuring or killing someone else.
Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of serious injury and death by 50%, and nearly one in three traffic deaths in the U.S. involves a driver under the influence. Also, if you’re spending some time swimming this summer, there are a few safety precautions you can take to reduce the risk of drowning or injury.
Swim in designated areas with lifeguards, and never swim alone. If you are supervising children, keep a close eye on them, even if they have already learned to swim. Don’t leave children unattended near water, and make sure children and inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death and disability among ages 0-45 is traumatic injury. When someone experiences a traumatic injury, getting timely, expert care is crucial. With Georgia's largest trauma network, Wellstar has expertise and experience in providing emergency and trauma care when it matters most.
- Wellstar Paulding Medical Center and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center are Level IV Trauma Centers.
- Wellstar Cobb Medical Center is a Level III Trauma Center.
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center have both earned the Level II Trauma Center designation.
- Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center — the designation signaling the highest level of care.
Wellstar’s trauma centers are part of a statewide team that collaborates closely to provide expert care.
“With the largest trauma network in Georgia, Wellstar is a leader in trauma care. This means patients get the right level of care during the critical hour following injury," said Dr. Katherine Kohler, trauma medical director at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center.
In addition to an extensive trauma network, Wellstar is also home to the largest emergency department in the Southeast and the second largest in the country at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. To serve younger patients, specialized pediatric emergency departments are located at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Paulding Medical Center.
To learn more about emergency and trauma services at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/emergencycare.
Highlights
Life-Saving Trauma Care Close to Home at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center
An emergency can strike at any moment. When people need life-saving care, Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center (AMC), a Level I Trauma Center providing the most advanced care, is here for them when it matters most.
We have a specially trained trauma team, advanced technology and state-of-the-art treatments to help patients with the most serious types of injuries.
Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center is committed to protecting our patients — just like Cody Williams Martin, Allie Abernathy and Nick Schelkopf — and providing support from treatment to recovery and beyond.
CodyCare: Fast, personalized trauma care
When Cody Williams Martin arrived at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center with multiple gunshot wounds, our trauma team sprang into action. As a Level I Trauma Center, we are equipped with the expertise and experience to treat severe injuries when every second counts.
Cody was rushed to the operating room — a space that would become familiar as he returned 28 times during his three-month stay at the facility. Cody’s care team was invested in his progress, cheering him on at each milestone.
“Just knowing I had a good, competent surgical team that was dedicated to helping me — that meant everything,” Cody said. “Just the tenacity, the willingness they had to not give up on me. I don’t think I would be here if I had gone to any other place in Atlanta.”
For people like Cody, having access to advanced care can make all the difference in treatment and recovery.
