Emergency Department Director Dr. Stu Willis with Gina Gallette, RN, have been spearheading the effort at Boundary Community Hospital.
“As a rural community, we have an obligation to provide services that improve survivability," Willis said. "It is important for our emergency department staff to work together with local EMS at Boundary Ambulance and Life Flight Network in an organized process to be sure patients are treated or when required, transported to another hospital for the appropriate level of care. In addition, prevention education is a key component of this, especially in regards to injuries and major trauma.”
As the first Pacific Northwest hospital to be awarded the Critical Access Hospital designation by the federal government, Boundary Community Hospital has always had an essential role in meeting the healthcare needs of Bonners Ferry and the surrounding county.
In 2012, 49.1% of preventable deaths in Idahoans under age 75 were the result of trauma, stroke or heart attack.
The TSE initiative is putting processes in place so the right patient gets the right care at the right time, helping to ensure an optimal outcome, especially when time is critical.
The hospital is investing in the community through the fully-staffed emergency department with physicians and nurses experienced in emergency medicine, and certified in advanced trauma, cardiac and pediatric care. The clinical medical laboratory and diagnostic imaging technologists are also available 24/7 so that tests can be performed when time is critical for patient treatment in a time sensitive emergency.