Happy Turkey Day! In the picture above, a flock of Merriam's turkeys peck for tasty morsels in a local pasture. Wild turkeys experienced an upswing in their population this year, with large flocks seen in many areas of the county.
By Adam Johnson, PR County Director of Emergency Medical Service Operations
Powder River County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has confronted an alarming upswing in emergency calls over the past year. This surge has prompted Powder River EMS to issue a call for enhanced location marking efforts to facilitate rapid response times. With a staggering total of 151 emergency calls, including welfare checks and events recorded this year, the EMS agency has registered a remarkable 14% increase in call volume compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, medical-related emergencies account for a substantial 77% of this year's emergency calls, encompassing both routine medical crises such as cardiac and respiratory emergencies, as well as those entangled with search and rescue operations, hard-to-reach locations, and situations necessitating air intercepts for expedited patient transport to definitive care facilities.
One of the foremost challenges faced by EMS crews in Powder River County is the escalating number of emergencies unfolding off the main thoroughfares, notably Highway 212 and MT-59, often on secluded dirt roads. While dispatchers, law enforcement agencies, and EMS providers employ radios, GPS technology, and county map books as essential tools, these resources are often stretched thin by areas plagued with no cellular service, GPS inaccuracies, and radio dead zones. These limitations have the potential to impede the swiftness and effectiveness of emergency responses.
In response to these formidable challenges, Powder River EMS is passionately urging both residents and family members to take proactive measures in supporting emergency responders by adequately marking their properties and entry points. Homes or cabins situated along lengthy, unmaintained dirt roads replete with multiple intersections or Y-sections should feature reflectors or painted posts that distinctly indicate the precise turn that responders ought to take. All markers should be placed on the same side of the road as the turn, and it is strongly recommended to use uniform colors for reflectors or paint to mitigate any potential confusion during emergencies, thereby ensuring quicker response times.
Powder River EMS boasts a dedicated team comprising two experienced advanced care paramedics, ten emergency medical technicians, and one emergency medical responder. These highly-trained professionals are proficient in both basic and advanced life support medical care, delivering immediate assistance at the scene of emergencies and during transit to medical facilities. Their expertise enables them to make critical decisions tailored to the nature of the illness or injury, ultimately ensuring the best possible outcome for residents and visitors in need of medical attention.
To further empower and assist responders, Powder River EMS encourages residents and visitors to embrace additional location-marking measures. These include leveraging free applications such as What3Words on cell phones, tablets, and computers, provided there is cellular service available. Sharing the pre-determined three-word location with dispatchers can be invaluable in emergencies. Furthermore, personal location beacons and SOS devices connected to satellites offer unparalleled accuracy and are strongly recommended for rural areas like Powder River County, even though they may involve subscriptions or additional costs. The investment in these devices is pivotal to ensuring that providers and responders can pinpoint the scene swiftly and efficiently during critical situations.
Powder River EMS staff also underscore the importance of notifying a friend or family member of one's whereabouts, particularly when embarking on activities such as hunting, hiking, or other outdoor adventures. This information can prove invaluable in facilitating central search efforts should someone be late returning home, inclement weather sets in, or a medical emergency arises.
In cases of medical emergencies in remote locations, the use of approved medical forms such as a File of Life or documented health histories in marked folders or cases can significantly aid advanced medical providers. While providers always ensure appropriate treatments and interventions are administered, having access to this medical history, along with knowledge of allergies and medications, is vital, particularly when the patient is unresponsive or unable to respond to questions.
For further information or clarification on crucial information to include, Powder River EMS encourages residents to contact them directly or reach out to the Powder River First Responders Charity.
Powder River EMS remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and well-being of the community. They urge all residents and visitors to actively participate in enhancing emergency response efforts by implementing these location-marking strategies. Through collective efforts, they aim to ensure that help arrives swiftly and effectively during times of need, ultimately safeguarding the lives and health of everyone in Powder River County.
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