| Post Your News Send Us An Event Start A Gallery |  |
| Most Recent | Most Popular | Top Contributors | Galleries | Events |
News Article
 | Contributor: WCMC subscribe to my stories |
White County Medical Center Emergency Department associates participated in the second annual ‘Strike Out Stroke’ night at the Arkansas Traveler’s baseball game as part of National Stroke Awareness Month. WCMC Emergency Department Director Teresa Ferricher, RN; Autumn Inman, RN; Emily Hickmon, LPN; Clinical Supervisor Kathy Hickmon, RN; and Jasper Fultz, LPN, Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator educated fans at the game about the signs of a stroke and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately.
UAMS Arkansas SAVES Education Director Julie Hall-Barrow, Ed.D., and former state senator and stroke survivor Bobby Glover present White County Medical Center Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator Jasper Fultz with the ‘Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator of the Year’ Award.
WCMC Participates in 'Strike Out Stroke' White County Medical Center Emergency Department associates participated in the second annual ‘Strike Out Stroke’ night at the Arkansas Traveler’s baseball game as part of National Stroke Awareness Month. WCMC Emergency Department Director Teresa Ferricher, RN; Autumn Inman, RN; Emily Hickmon, LPN; Clinical Supervisor Kathy Hickmon, RN; and Jasper Fultz, LPN, Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator, educated fans at the game about the signs of a stroke and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately. Arkansas ranks third in the nation for number of stroke-related deaths, which is why the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences developed Arkansas SAVES. (SAVES stands for Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support.) This innovative telemedicine program allows stroke victims throughout the state to be properly diagnosed and treated by an offsite neurologist with the help of onsite emergency department physicians and staff. When WCMC joined the Arkansas SAVES program two years ago, Fultz began serving as the Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator for the hospital. In his 31 years as a nurse at WCMC, Fultz has been recognized as an outstanding and compassionate nurse and is loved by his patients. “Thanks to the Arkansas SAVES program, we have seen a number of stroke patients return to their normal lives within weeks of having a stroke, including a young woman who is a fourth-grade teacher,” Fultz said. “Our nurses take great pride in making a difference in the lives of our patients through extensive preparation and training.” UAMS Arkansas SAVES Education Director Julie Hall-Barrow, Ed.D., and former state senator and stroke survivor Bobby Glover presented Fultz with the Arkansas SAVES Nurse Facilitator of the Year Award. “I am both excited and humbled by the honor,” Fultz said. “The award speaks to the success of White County Medical Center’s Stroke Program. The Emergency Department, Laboratory, Radiology Department, nurses throughout the hospital, Management Information Systems Department, Emergency Medical Services personnel and our Arkansas SAVES/UAMS support staff partners are all to be congratulated on a job well done.” “Stroke patients in the past had fewer options to reach the help they needed in time to reverse the affects of a stroke,” Fultz added. “With this program, there is hope when you or your loved ones act FAST.” Act FAST: Signs of a Stroke Face: Facial droop or uneven smile Arm: Arm numbness or arm weakness Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking or understanding Time: Call 911 and get to the hospital immediately Strokes are often called “brain attacks.” Much like a heart attack affects the heart, a stroke affects the brain in a similar way. Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and acting fast to seek medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities. Ischemic stroke occurs when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits; about 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks leaking blood into the brain; these strokes account for thirteen percent of all strokes. For more information about the Arkansas SAVES program at White County Medical Center, please visit www.wcmc.org. ABOUT WHITE COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER As the leading healthcare provider in a six-county area, White County Medical Center associates strive to create a healthy community by providing quality patient care and participating in community health events. White County Medical Center is the largest employer in Searcy with more than 1500 associates. The facility has a combined total of 438 licensed beds and a medical staff of 150 physicians that specialize in various areas of healthcare. |