Dr. Z's Zone

Dear Community,

It's getting cold outside again. This means that we are now getting ready for the snowmobile, skiing and hypothermia season. Remember to think carbon monoxide poisoning when you have a patient with flu symptoms.

Another year is coming to a close and I look around, I know we are making progress. We have a new group of Medic and Basic students in our programs. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated group of nurses and medics associated with the education office. We are improving our EMS protocols and making slight changes in the medications that will be in the boxes. The hospital continues to grow and the ED is getting busier. In January, we are getting our electronic tracking board. This will involve a large number of large TV screens throughout the department that will tell staff vital information about patient location (in the dept. or not) and which labs or x-rays are done. As I understand it, there will also be one for EMS, so that you will know which room your squad has been assigned. This the first part of the comprehensive electronic charting system that we are getting as a system.

My door is always open. Please call me if you need me via the hospital operator (at work, home or cell).....Please be safe

Dr. Z