Hunterdon Medical Center Advanced Life Support
Bringing Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic services to a rural setting
Hunterdon’s concern:
In the early 1980s, the Hunterdon Medical Center region’s pre-hospital cardiac arrest survival rate was less than 1% due to a lack of paramedic support in the rural area. Then-Commissioner of Health said, “There are advantages and disadvantages to living in a rural area, and one of the disadvantages is you don’t get ALS. What do you expect, a paramedic at every crossroads?” The Hunterdon Medical Center believed that people in the region deserved better. Again, they turned to Pegasus Emergency Group.
The Pegasus solution:
Pegasus tackled the problem by raising awareness of the need for an ALS capability in the region. For three years the group worked to gain the support of the media as well as NJ state senators and assemblymen. At last, appropriate legislation passed to create a $750,000 seed grant for the paramedic program. In the ensuing years, many people have benefited from what has since become a two-county ALS program that is highly regarded for its progressive initiatives.
Continued innovation:
The Hunterdon paramedic team continues to progress. It is the only ALS program in New Jersey to use thrombolytics (clot dissolving medication) in the field to treat myocardial infarction (heart attack). Hunterdon paramedics were the first to employ Cpap, a rescue airway technology for severe respiratory distress that can negate the need for intubation. The integrated close working relationship with Hunterdon’s ED allows our patients to receive lifesaving treatment under the direction of our excellent physicians. Paramedics initiate treatment of AMI and stroke patients before they arrive in the ED. Ensuring door to balloon times of an average 60 minutes (AHA guidelines are 90 minutes) gives our patients the best opportunity to have the most favorable outcomes possible.
Recently Hunterdon was stroke certified by JCAHO, and the Pegasus group has started a fourth MICU program in collaboration with Warren Hospital. A Rapid Sequence Intubation program has been implemented, as well as a Hypothermia policy for post-cardiac arrest patients. In recognition of its excellence, in 2009 Pegasus Emergency Group received the 2009 Best of Flemington Award from the US Commerce Association.
Together, Pegasus and Hunterdon are committed to staying at the forefront of life-saving procedures.