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NOW A LEVEL III TRAUMA CENTER!

We are proud to announce Level III Trauma Center verification for demonstrating prompt assessment, surgery, intensive care and emergency operations. The recognition is awarded by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This verification recognizes our continued dedication to providing the highest quality of acute care to the residents in our region without having to travel long distances.

“It’s an incredible milestone to celebrate becoming a verified Level III trauma center,” said Brian L. Long, FACHE, President/CEO of Memorial Healthcare. “This rigorous verification process validates Memorial Healthcare’s  commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients with immediate access to advanced life-saving capabilities.”

Memorial Healthcare’s life-support-certified responders, trauma-trained nurses and board-certified surgeons stand ready 24/7 to coordinate all resources in any emergency.

JULY IS FIREWORK SAFETY MONTH

The month of July is typically known for picnics, sunshine, and Independence Day parties. Along with these celebrations, many times come fireworks. For this reason, July is also recognized as National Fireworks Safety Month. Fireworks can be exciting and festive, but can also be very dangerous to viewers and operators. It is important to remember that although fireworks can be a fun part of a celebration, there are also some safety tips to remember:

  • Only use fireworks outside.
  • Obey local laws; many states do not legally permit the use of fireworks.
  • Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter or combine them.
  • Always have a water source nearby in case of an accident or emergency.
  • Never relight a malfunctioned firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Spectators should keep a safe distance away from the shooting area.
  • Firework operators should always wear safety goggles.
  • Only people ages 12 and older should be allowed to handle sparklers.

It is important for those using fireworks to be aware of these safety precautions, especially if there are children nearby. During the month of July, children 14 years or less account for about 45% of injuries in relation to fireworks. Injuries from fireworks most commonly affect the hands, head, face, eyes and ears.

For adults, it is crucial to remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix. The operator of the fireworks should not be drinking alcohol in order to prevent an accident from occurring.

Fireworks can be a great addition to any holiday celebration, but also serve as a possible danger. It is necessary to keep all of these safety tips in mind in order to safely enjoy your July 4th Holiday!

Some information was obtained from The National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To learn more about firework safety, please visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org/.

JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

As June is also the official start of summer, it is a good opportunity to take a moment and consider summer safety during National Safety Month.

Recreational Water Safety
Water offers the most common way to beat the heat, and swimming is one of the most popular ways to do so. From backyard pools to local lakes and beaches, there are many places to swim, play or relax; however, water can pose safety issues for families.

The USA Swimming Foundation reports nearly 90 children younger than 15 drowned in a pool or spa from January through May 2018, and every year about 19 children drown during the July 4 holiday. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also reports:

  • 74% of drowning incidents for children younger than 15 between 2015 and 2017 occurred in residential locations
  • Boys younger than 15 die from drowning at twice the rate as girls
  • 351 children younger than 15 died in pools and spas in 2015
  • Emergency departments treat about 6,400 pool and spa injuries in children younger than 15 every year
  • Most parents think water safety is first and foremost on their minds whenever they are enjoying summer activities with their young kids. But when the unthinkable happens, caregivers often say, “I only looked away for a second.”
  • National Safety Council statistics point to drowning as a leading cause of death for young children – mostly due to children falling into a pool or being left alone in the bathtub. Of the 3,709 drownings in 2017, more than 12% were children age 4 and younger, according to Injury Facts. Bathtubs, toilets and even buckets also can pose a danger for very young children.

To learn more about drowning dangers for kids, click here.

MAY TRAUMA AWARENESS HIGHLIGHTS

Injury Prevention professionals from throughout the nation have seen a rise in injuries related to the ways we have been living our lives during the pandemic. Raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts in this new way of living, working, and playing is more important now than ever.

According to The National Safety Council (NSC) and CDC in 2018 the top 3 leading causes of preventable death, in ranking order, were motor vehicle crashes, falls and suffocation. The top 3 leading causes of non-fatal preventable injuries treated in emergency departments in ranking order from one to three were falls, struck by or against and overexertion. Injury is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 1 to 44 years old representing 59 percent of all death in the United States.

To learn more, click here.

Listen here for CDC Fall Prevention Podcasts:

MARCH IS NATIONAL BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

According to the CDC, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2014, there were approximately 2.87 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the US, including over 837,000 of these health events among children

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.”

What are the leading causes of TBI?

  • In 2014, falls were the leading cause of TBI. Falls accounted for almost half (48%) of all TBI-related emergency department visits. Falls disproportionately affect children and older adults:
    • Almost half (49%) of TBI-related ED visits among children 0 to 17 years were caused by falls.
    • Four in five (81%) TBI-related ED visits in older adults aged 65 years and older were caused by falls
  • Being struck by or against an object was the second leading cause of TBI-related ED visits, accounting for about 17% of all TBI-related ED visits in the United States in 2014.
  • Over 1 in 4 (28%) TBI-related ED visits in children less than 17 years of age or less were caused by being struck by or against an object.
  • Falls and motor vehicle crashes were the first and second leading causes of all TBI-related hospitalizations (52% and 20%, respectively).
  • Intentional self-harm was the first leading cause of TBI-related deaths (33%) in 2014

Learn more about brain injuries at the Brain Injury Association of America by clicking here.

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL BURN AWARENESS MONTH

Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. Here are a few tips to stay safe:

    • Working smoke alarms are especially important during a loss of power when people may use alternate forms of heating equipment, portable generators and candles.
    • Never use candles for emergency lighting. Many things in your home can catch fire if they are too close to a candle’s flame.
    • Use flashlights for emergency lighting and stock up on batteries.
    • Have a qualified repair company or licensed electrician inspect water-damaged appliances and home wiring after a flood.
    • Portable generators are useful during storms, but if not used safely, they can cause injury and death.
    • Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home.
    • Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.

JANUARY IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH

To report suspected Human Trafficking to Federal law enforcement contact 1-866-347-2423

Human Trafficking:

Intimate Partner Violence/Teen Dating Violence:

  • Facts (YouTube video)
  • Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Fact Sheet
  • Preventing Teen Dating Violence Fact Sheet

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

If you need help, call 9-1-1 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Memorial Healthcare offers personalized programs and services focusing on behavioral health and mental wellness. Treatment is provided by psychiatrists, social workers, RN’s, mental health technicians and recreational therapists and is based on patient needs and goals. Treatment includes assessment, psychopharmacology, education, therapeutic activities and therapy groups. The Behavioral Health Unit is a 19-bed, adult inpatient behavioral health unit. It provides 24-hour per day care to patients who need a safe, supportive environment. Patients are admitted on a voluntary or involuntary basis. Behavioral health services at Memorial Healthcare are licensed by the Michigan Department of Mental Health and accredited by the Joint Commission. To learn more, click here.

NOVEMBER INJURY PREVENTION OBSERVANCES

FIREARM SAFETY PREVENTION

Did you know?  Firearm injury is a leading cause of death among young Americans, is the most common means of suicide death among all Americans, and has psychological and financial ramifications for victims, their families, and the health care system. Emergency physicians, witness the toll firearm injuries take on our patients each day across the United States.  To learn the facts on firearm safety prevention, click the links below:

NATIONAL OLDER DRIVER SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

December 6-10 is National Older Driver Safety Awareness week, and drivers and residents of all ages should take this opportunity to educate themselves on the best and safest ways to encourage maintained mobility for Michigan’s older residents.

Michigan residents can learn more about the topics related to aging and driving on the state’s Safe Driver Smart Options website at Michigan.gov/AgingDriver. The website was designed for easy navigation and offers robust resources and information to help aging driver remain mobile and independent including:

  • Older driver self-assessment driving tools and videos
  • Links to driver refresher courses and other community supports for older drivers
  • Information about how medications and health problems may affect driving and lists of resources available to drivers once they stop driving
  • Strategies for initiating conversations about when and how to transition to a non-driving lifestyle
  • Procedures for referring an unsafe driver for a driver reexamination
  • Information about the aspects of aging and how best to interact with older residents for audiences such as law enforcement, healthcare, and other professionals

Aging drivers, their families and professionals who care for them are encouraged to explore different topics every day during National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week beginning Dec. 6:

  • Monday, Dec. 6: Anticipating Changes That Can Affect Driving
  • Tuesday, Dec. 7: Family Conversations
  • Wednesday, Dec.8: Screening and Evaluations with an Occupational Therapist
  • Thursday, Dec. 9: Interventions That Can Empower Drivers
  • Friday, Dec. 10: Staying Engaged in the Community With or Without a Car

For more information and resources about aging drivers, visit the Safe Drivers Smart Options website – www.michigan.gov/agingdriver/