Richards Memorial Hospital Hosts Comprehensive Advanced Life Support Program
Rockdale, Texas (June 23, 2008) – Richards Memorial Hospital recently hosted a Comprehensive Advanced Life Support (CALS) Program geared toward rural healthcare. This was the first of its kind in the state of Texas and was brought in part by a federal grant funded through the Office of Rural and Community Affairs (ORCA), which allowed the training to be offered to rural providers at a substantially reduced cost.
The class is limited to a total of 24 students to ensure the best possible learning environment. Fifteen of those students were Richards Memorial Hospital emergency department personnel. “We understand the importance of having a highly trained and skilled medical staff in our emergency room and are very pleased that we were able to offer such a high-caliber continuing education program to our emergency department staff” stated Jeremy Riney, CEO of Richards Memorial Hospital. Additionally, eight students attended from both Seton Highlands Hospital in Burnett and Gatesville’s Coryell Hospital.
The primary focus of the CALS education program is to train medical teams in rural areas to anticipate, recognize, and treat life-threatening emergencies. The course is an intensive two day curriculum, consisting of hands on, interactive sessions in cardiac, traumatic, pediatric, obstetrical, neonatal and medical advanced life support. In addition, participants are required to take both a pre-test and post-test to assess their skills and knowledge. The CALS program focuses on a team approach and recommends hospitals sending groups of people, rather than individuals to attend the class. “This approach really seems to build camaraderie and trust among personnel within the same department” explained Paula J. Nelson, RN, BSN, CEN, Texas CALS Coordinator.
“The emergency department staff at Richards Memorial Hospital is very appreciative of the opportunity given to us by our administration to participate in this program. It was a fantastic learning opportunity and bonding experience for our emergency team.” stated Barbara McNeil, RN, Richards Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Nurse Manager.
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| Pictured L-R: Maria Saldana, RN, Sara Williford, EMT-P, Brenda Theroit, RN, and Debra Lopez, EMT-B, ERT. |
About Little River Healthcare
Little River Healthcare System formed in November 2006 when Blackhawk Healthcare merged with Richards Memorial Hospital to create a healthcare system dedicated to providing high quality, patient-centered care to the community. Little River Healthcare System is currently comprised of 5 facilities in surrounding areas: Little River Medical Center, Family Care Center, Little River Medical Clinic - Rockdale, Little River Medical Clinic – Cameron and Little River Medical Clinic - Hearne. Our energized and committed staff of employees, physicians and volunteers work together everyday to deliver our mission.
About Blackhawk Healthcare LLC
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Blackhawk Healthcare is an owner and operator of Critical Access Hospitals. Blackhawk’s desire is to transform rural healthcare by working synergistically with each rural community to build confidence and pride through improved healthcare delivery. We are passionately dedicated to the uniqueness of rural healthcare and improving the community by bringing the resources required to meet the broader needs of each "hometown" we touch. Blackhawk is inspired to provide excellence in service and modern facilities that convey trust, confidence and healing.