Mercy Jeannette Hospital
Pre-Hospital Services:
Formed in 1982 at the request of several local EMS Services, the Mercy Jeannette Hospital Pre-Hospital Services Department has gone through many changes over the years but has never lost sight of its mission: To assist and guide local EMS Services to help provide the best possible care to our patients.
Medical Command
Through the leadership of Lawrence Sherman, M.D., EMS Service Medical Director and Emergency Department Physician Director, medical direction is provided to North Huntingdon Rescue 8, Penn Township Rescue 6, Rescue 14 EMS, Jeannette EMS, Irwin Ambulance and the Paramedic Response Unit from Mercy Jeannette Hospital. Dr. Sherman, a member of the Westmoreland County Consortium, provides direction to paramedics from each of the EMS services through direct contact and written protocols. Individual physicians may give medical command, via phone or radio, to the paramedics in the field .Quality assurance and audits are done through the Pre-Hospital Department with Dr. Sherman's oversight.
Paramedic Response Unit
A paramedic response unit was formed by Mercy Jeannette Hospital in early 1986. The request and need was demonstrated by EMS services throughout western and central Westmoreland County. The unit has responded to over 20,000 calls for assistance since 1986 and currently operates one response unit out of Mercy Jeannette Hospital helping local EMS services with patient care if necessary.
Continuing Education
Mercy Jeannette Hospital provides continuing education opportunities for any EMS provider, helping them meet their annual con-ed total requirements. The seminars are help once a month during the day; and evening seminars will be scheduled periodically. ACLS and ALS Skills reviews are held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and PALS at least once a years. (Click here for dates and times)
Computerized Trip Sheets
Paperless trip sheets were introduced to our Command Services in 2002. This enables Command Services to take their patients to any hospital and get back in service as soon as possible. The crew can then return to their base, complete a trip sheet and it will automatically transmit to the Pre-hospital office.
The Pre-Hospital Department participates in the County AED program by acting as the central receiving computer for the downloads of the data. We then use this information in discussions within the Consortium and/or Council.
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