September 30, 2020 Issue, Page 14 of 24

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PG15 HOMETOWN HEROES | Wednesday, September 30, 2020 tients and giving treatments. Para- patient a mask to wear that will good day, and the department han- “They're down here checking venka said, “For us to do our job medics can diagnose and treat wear it.” dles 2,100 to 2,200 calls per year. on our people constantly making well, we have to have a good com- conditions in the field and provide EMS personnel’s interactions “They’re very busy,” Chervenka sure everything is going good and munity and good city to back us.” a lot of medications and care, and with nursing homes in town have said, “So out of our staff, our para- reaching out to those guys and And that extends to ensur- even if those patients are trans- changed because those places medics run on every call, and we making sure if there’s anything ferred, the treatment can begin by are trying to keep those residents have 11 paramedics right now. So they can do to help,” he said. “And ing that the department has good paramedics and then continued in healthy. those guys are rotating on 2,200 we try to be right there with them equipment and personnel to do the the emergency department. For “So where we hand off patients calls and that’s split up among 11 with whatever they need. We try to job, as well as the backing of resi- definitive care, patients can be and how that works has changed paramedics almost, and so they manage that stress as well as can dents, he added. transported to OKC if treatment a little bit,” Chervenka said. “But run a lot on fatigue and every- to help our employees out.” “T feel like we have that in Elk can’t be given locally. overall, it’s really kind of brought thing, but we manage that by alter- Chervenka appreciates the sup- City — there’s no doubt,” he said. “On some of our patients now, all the health care providers in the nating drivers and medics as much port of the public during the pan- Chervenka said if residents have we apply filters to the vent lines area together in how we operate as we can.” demic. and things like that, for ventilator during this time.” The EMS department has ex- “Tf we need something, our any questions or concerns, they patients,” Chervenka said. “And EMS personnel are running an cellent chaplain system to assist community is usually behind us, may call him or Pierce. They can masks. Of course, we give every average of six calls a day, on a people, Chervenka said. and I can’t say that enough,” Cher- be reached at 580-225-0500. How to give back to health care workers Often enough we do not appreciate our medical professionals enough. This year has proven Millions of people across the globe do- themselves out of work as the economy nate to charities or volunteer as a means of came crashing to a halt. Health care work- just how much we need them. bolstering their communities and helping ers have been on the front lines in the fight Thank you to all our medical professionals! the less fortunate. Such help is valuable no against the COVID-19 virus for months on matter when it’s offered, but giving back in end. Stressful working environments and {3 InterBank 2020 has proven to be an especially neces- concerns about bringing the virus home sary endeavor. and potentially infecting their families have As a global pandemic took hold during made the challenges of fighting the pan- the winter of 2019-20, millions of people demic even tougher for health care workers. found themselves battling a potentially Supporting such workers in these uncertain deadly virus, while millions more found times can be a great way for people to show (580) 225-5580 + 1620 W. 3rd St. Elk City, OK 73644 When we feel unwell we go to the doctor. alk you do! ¢ Thank you for always being there! ‘Western Oklahoma Insurance | “{t’s always something” Homeowners « Vehicles + Farm and Ranch « Life and Health 580-225-1121 119 N. Jefferson Ave, Elk City, Ok. We would like to express our gratitude to our local yson Trout q nurses, doctors, EMS and the countless others in the medical field. THRU TUBING Yow Auto complete line of ital Farm, Auto, and Supply Commercial Coverage. 221 S Jefferson St, }ox 606, Hammon, OK 731 AUTO PARTS 580-225-2166 trout@american-nation; 7501 E 20th St, Elk OK 73644 - 580-225-6977