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September 2014

Get Ready to Wear the Pink!

September 2014

Get Ready to Wear the Pink!

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Contents September 2014

Cover Story

+ Features

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GET READY TO WEAR THE PINK!

ATCEMS gears up to support National Breast Cancer

Awareness during the month of October with

special pink merchandise you can wear.

________________________________________

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ACTS OF KINDNESS

An ATCEMS Commander goes above and beyond the

call of duty to help a patient who was worried about

his bicycle.

________________________________________

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AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY EMS: AN EVOLUTION

Believe it or not, before Austin EMS was created the

pre-hospital needs of Austin’s citizens were served

by several funeral homes and private services.

________________________________________

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A JOURNEY OF LETTING GO…MOVING ON…AND

GIVING BACK!

Captain Mark Hawkins says that his participation, in-

volvement and experiences with the EMS Memorial

Bike Ride over the years were all very personal for him.

_______________________________________

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ANGEL FLIGHT: WHERE HOPE SOARS, LIVES CHANGE

AND DREAMS TAKE HOLD

Angel Flight’s mission is to coordinate with volunteers

across our South Central Region to facilitate transport

of the critically ill pediatric patients and their families.

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In Every Issue

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A seven year old cardiac arrest survivor meets the

ATCEMS Captains, Randy Chhabra and Mike

McDaniel, who saved her life.

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PIO INTERN MELISSA MENASHE: A NEW

FACE...CHAPTER...CHALLENGE

Our inaugural intern Melissa Menashe says she is

honored and excited for the opportunity to work with

our PIO team.

_________________________________________

Division News

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AWARNESS IS THE KEY TO DISCOVERY

Nearly 40,000 women and 400 men die every year of

breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed

with breast cancer in their lifetime.

_______________________________________

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HEALTHY CONNECTIONS

Women’s health, PE classes, Delightful Dishes, What’s in

Season.

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YOUR PHOTOS

Pictures of ATCEMS employees in action.

________________________________________

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REWARDS AND RECOGNITION

ATCEMS employees receive kudos, special thanks, and

congratulations for a job well done.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE SURVEY

Feedback and results from Customer Service Callback

Program.

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Message

from

the Chief

Changing the lives of the people we serve requires us to connect with our community and get plugged

-in with community activities and events. We do a lot in our community to promote safety and good

health. It starts by setting a good example. As role models, our community looks toward us for

examples of good health, safety, integrity, and compassion. Getting involved in community activities

and showing everyone how much we care is key. Here’s another opportunity to show how much we

care.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are showing our support with pink gloves, pink

badges for those of you who ordered them, and pink lanyards & ID clips for non-unformed employees.

This is a terrific time and opportunity to do some volunteer work, too.

In this issue of Pulse we are proud to showcase several employees that exemplify integrity, motivation

and giving back to the community by volunteering to charitable activities outside of their normal work

duties. Craig Fairbrother brings hope to children in need and changes lives by providing flights to

treatment facility's for critically ill children. Mark Hawkins has spent 8 dedicated years on a journey of

letting go...moving on...and giving back through multiple activity's with National EMS Memorial Bike

Ride.

Both of these medics do outstanding work within our community. I know that many more of you also

participate in volunteer work throughout our community. I hope that you take a moment to send us

an email about your passion so we can share it with others. Stories about your community action,

dedication, and enthusiasm serve to inspire all of us to find our passions and take action. I am so

proud to a part of this department because of the great people in it. It goes to show the type of caring

people that we have within our department.

Leadership is a group effort built upon our ability to dream together, decide together, and act togeth-

er.” These are my words when I describe what “We Lead” is all about. I believe in the culture they

represent and in our journey to fulfill them.

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The Wellness Center is conducting 2 fitness classes open to all EMS and Fire employees. Each class is an hour long of functional or strength training. Feel free to attend as many classes per week that your schedule will allow.

Functional Training/Conditioning

Monday and Wednesday @ 1000

Functional Training/Conditioning is a higher intensity workout that includes a variety of func-

tional exercises to increase both strength and endurance. We will teach proper form and tech-nique on all major lifts as well as body weight exercises.

Strength Training

Tuesday and Thursday @ 1000

Strength Training will focus on training and development through safe lifting and proper body

mechanics.

No sign up or appointment needed to attend.

Public Safety Wellness Center

517 S. Pleasant Valley Road

512-974-0203

NEW Fitness Classes at the Public Safety

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Support the fighters...

Admire the survivors…

Honor the fallen...

Raise the awareness...

Wear the pink.

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Temporary Supply of PINK GLOVES

are located in the supply closets at:

Brackenridge

M01 M05

M19 M29

Pink powder - coated department

badge (for those who pre-ordered)

ATCEMS Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

with Wearable Pink Merchandise

Lanyards and ID clips

Limited supply for non- uniformed staff

Wear the pink!

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Acts of Kindness “No act of kindness, no matter how small, Is ever wasted.”

-Aesop

To Whom it May Concern:

On May 8th at 8:30 pm, I was involved in a one-person bicycle wreck. I wasn’t

going to call EMS but I couldn’t get off the ground. There were seven people

around and two of them were nurses. One of them snuck off to call EMS and sure

enough, they showed up. After the medics examined me and asked a bunch of

questions, they got me up and put me on a stretcher and rolled me into the

ambulance.

I started complaining about leaving my bicycle on the road or chained to a pole—-it

just wasn’t going to happen. Then, a man stuck his head into ambulance and said

“if you will give me your address and keys, I’ll take your bike home for you”. That

floored me! I found out later the man was a supervisor and that was part of his

job.

I told him “you don’t know me from nothing” but he said again that this was his

favorite part of his job. I gave him my keys and my address and he removed the

bike from the ambulance and took it to my house. He showed up at the hospital

with my keys and a picture to prove he took my bike home.

I want this man found and commended for his actions! Kudos, kudos, kudos for

this man! He was absolutely GREAT! (We found him, it was Commander Temple

Thomas!)

Sincerely,

Daniel Ray Linman

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Austin-Travis County

EMS…..an Evolution

Before Austin EMS was created the pre-hospital

needs of Austin’s citizens were served by several

funeral homes and private services. Their first rule

of care was the “swoop and scoop” method.

The competition amongst the various services

created dangerous situations, questionable ethical

acts and was considered a conflict of interest.

These acts motivated the citizens and the city

government for change.

Change came slowly at first. In 1957, the city

council formed a “zone” system that used the

police department dispatchers to send the ambu-

lance closest to a location to the call.

Brackenridge Hospital was owned by the City of

Austin and in 1967 the city contracted to Austin

Ambulance Services for all emergency and

non-emergency transports.

When the city established a franchise agreement

with Austin Ambulance Service the public’s aware-

ness of pre-hospital care increased, and the

expectations for a higher quality of care and

service ensued.

1975 The City EMS department began to provide

services along with Austin Ambulance.

During this time EMS units were strategically

placed in apartment complexes throughout the

city.

1976 The city took full control and responsibil-

ity for Emergency Services in the City of Austin.

On January first Austin EMS completed the birth

process and arrived in this world as a non-civil

service municipal department with 32 employees

operating BLS ambulances. In the early years of

AEMS the field medics had the pleasure of wearing

orange jumpsuits as their uniforms. Thankfully we

no longer have such uniforms, big sigh of relief!!

1977 An inter-local agreement with Travis

County to provide Emergency Medical coverage in

the county was signed. Throughout the years the

City of Austin and Travis County continued to

grow. We have encountered many evolutionary

changes through the years. Organization structure

in the early years ranged from a system that had

a paramedic and EMT provider on an ambulance

to a tiered system and back again. The tiered

system comprised of a series of BLS units with

two basic EMT’s with fewer ALS units comprised of

2 paramedics both types of units could be backed

up with a commander who was ALS capable, thus

making this a 3 tiered system.

By Clemente Leal, EMTP

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1984 STAR Flight (Shock Trauma Air Rescue) was

established. The helicopter covers the city and

surrounding counties providing rapid treatment and

transportation over an 85 mile radius.

1994 Plans to make all of the responding ambu-

lances ALS units were made. This was done in order

to meet the new national ALS compliance time’s

standards. This plan was called the “Full Service

System Plan”. In 1995 this plan was put into action

and the process began and we became known as

Austin-Travis County EMS.

2009 Represented a significant change. Dr. Ed

Racht the Medical Director for the past 14 years left

to pursue other avenues. His replacement was none

other than Dr. Paul Hinchey. Dr. Hinchey was the

Associate Medical Director for Wake County, North

Carolina. His background includes working as a

paramedic in New York and teaching.

2012 The system made significant changes in

how each ambulance is staffed. We moved from an

all paramedic system to staffing ambulances with

one paramedic and a basic EMT.

2013 Austin Travis County EMS uniformed person-

nel became the first EMS system to adopt the Civil

service rules and by-laws.

2014 Today the department has grown to meet

the needs of the community with 419 sworn

uniformed personnel and 67 civilian staff members,

37 full time ambulances, 4 demand units, 7 District

Commanders and an EMS communication section.

Austin/Travis County EMS has seen its fair share

of adversity and change in the past 38 years, but it

has made our EMS system stronger. Due to the ded-

ication of all employees the medical community and

citizens of Austin/Travis County this Ems system will

continue to thrive and continue being leaders in pre-

hospital care.

By Clemente Leal, EMTP

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Thanks to the generosity of the Austin Junior Forum the ATCEMS Teddy Bear Program has

been revived! Soon all ambulances and Command vehicles will carry a small supply (4-5 per

vehicle) of teddy bears. The bears provide children an immediate sense of comfort and calm in

frightening situations and medics are free to distribute the bears at their discretion.

The Junior Forum supplies Teddy Bears & Dalmatians for local public safety agencies to give to

children involved in traumatic events. These stuffed animals give children something tangible

to hold during times of crisis.

In recent years, more than 5,000 children have been involved in crisis situations, and the

numbers continue to rise with the growth of our city. Austin's public safety agencies including

Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Travis County Sheriff's Office, and Austin-

Travis County EMS have relied on these stuffed animals for more than 20 years.

If you shop Randall's Grocery Stores and have a Randall's Remarkable Card, you can link your

card to AJF's Teddy Bear Program and then every time you shop, Randall's will donate a

percentage of your purchase amount to AJF’s Teddy Bear Program. Simply visit the customer

service counter at your local Randall's store and ask for a Good Neighbor Program form.

On that form, indicate that you would like to link your card to Charity #2061, which is the

Teddy Bear Program's Good Neighbor account, and give the form back to the customer service

representative.

ATCEMS Rejoins Austin Junior Forum’s

Teddy Bear Program

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Add pictures of teddy bear delivery on Friday here.

Expect arrival of these adorable bears from the Austin Junior Forum to be delivered to

your station by your assigned commander. Bears can be restocked by contacting your

district commander.

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Every year the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

honors EMS personnel by organizing and

implementing a long distance cycling event that

memorializes and celebrates the lives of those

who serve every day. The ride honors those who

have become sick or injured while performing

their duties, and those who have died in the line

of duty. Captain Mark Hawkins has spent eight

energetic years filled with countless hours of

dedicated time, money, sweat and tears helping

to organize the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride.

Each year, hundreds of family members, friends,

coworkers, political leaders and colleagues from

EMS agencies from across the nation gather to

remember the current years chosen honorees.

The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is not a

single event, but rather a weekend of events

centered around a ceremony known as the

National EMS Memorial Service which has honored

over 600 EMS practitioners since 1992 who have

given their lives in the line of duty.

Mark’s inspiration began in 2006 when a fellow

paramedic who worked for Marble Falls EMS, Eric

Hansen, was tragically killed on the job. Inspira-

tion is about being called to act because you have

a desire to bring unforgettable moments to life

through unrelenting motivation. It emanates

from the core of your being and makes you rise

above the anger and frustration at the senseless

loss of remarkable and admirable people. Mark

has always been dedicated to raising awareness

for the EMS profession and the daily hazards a

paramedic encounters.

How did you get involved with the National

EMS Memorial Bike Ride?

“In 2006, I was dispatched to an MVA that

involved an ambulance from an outlying county.

As I approached the unit I realized I was looking

at a familiar face, a colleague named Eric Hansen,

who was deceased in his ambulance. It was very

difficult to get through the call but I had a job to

do, so I continued looking through the wreckage.

I didn’t find a patient in the back of the ambu-

lance however, I did find the second medic and

realized she was alive but pinned. When you

respond to a call like that there are a lot of layers

and emotions going on. After that day, myself

and a few other coworkers needed something to

help us work through our emotions and the stress

we were feeling. We thought it would be a good

idea to participate in the bike ride and honor Eric.

That was the beginning of an eight year journey.”

“During those eight years I rode for several fallen

colleagues, and other times I just rode. I also

found myself assisting the bike mechanics, this

was an essential skill because we needed to be

self-sufficient on the road. Eventually I became

one of the mechanics for all the riders. I wasn’t

able to ride in 2009 due to an injury so I was a

support person for the team/organization. I pro-

vided support and bike mechanics for close to 100

people that year. The cool thing was being able to

keep everybody riding who wanted to ride. To me

that was a great sense of accomplishment, they

stayed on their bikes for every mile possible.”

A Journey of Letting Go…

Moving On…

and Giving Back!

By Sheila Schwall

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“Because of my involvement with the organization

and my dedication to the ride, Steve Berry (the

cartoonist) encouraged me to put my name in for

the presidential election. After careful considera-

tion, I decided to run for president and I held that

position from the Fall of 2011 to the Summer of

2014.”

What has been your biggest accomplishment

as the President of EMS Memorial Bike Ride?

“I would say keeping the ride going. We have

continued to grow and expand the effort. We

support the National Service, Aeromedical Memo-

rial and the National EMS Memorial Foundation.

The EMS Memorial bike ride has grown from a one

day to a three-day event.

Have you represented the department at the

EMS Memorial?

“Yes I have participated as an Honor Guard

member for the EMS National Memorial Service

and for the EMS Memorial Bike Ride closing

ceremonies over the years. As President every-

one wears their respective department’s dress

uniform.

What do you miss most from the ride?

My sidekick Ariel Marr! She is so full of energy and

she takes care of so many details, she keeps

things running smoothly. She was the mother hen

that kept me moving. I also made some amazing

friendships and connections from all over the

country, which is something I never thought

possible. It recently dawned on me that through

my Honor Guard and Memorial connections I have

friends as far away as Ireland.”

Mark says that his participation, involvement and

experiences as a rider, support person, President

and Honor Guard member was all very personal

for him. “I learned early in my career that when

you have a bad call you need to talk to your

coworkers to deal with that stress. I've seen and

dealt with many horrible accidents and fatalities,

but you encounter new emotions as an Honor

Guard member. I saw another very personal side

of it, you witness the family members pain and

agony up close and that was a new experience for

me.”

Mark closed out his final speech of the year in

Colorado last month. “I didn’t talk about the

things I've seen over the years. I talked about

how we start to resolve our feelings when we’re

dealing with the death of someone. Whether you

are a family friend, provider or colleague it all

starts with talking. I gave a speech about death

and dying last year and I used the word joy. You

would not think of joy as a word that relates to

the grieving process, but that is what you see on

the faces of family members, coworkers and

friends when they are telling stories about the

person who has passed away. They begin to

relive those moments, it happens to everyone. It

doesn’t matter if they are new or old memories,

when they start telling the story they always smile

through the worst pain. They smile when they

are remembering the best times and the touching

moments—that’s what memories are made of.”

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The National Service has a family breakfast on

the last day of the event and it is a very emotion-

al morning. Family members, friends and

colleagues get up and tell stories about their lost

loved ones. “You see pain and sympathy upon

their faces, it is hard for all of us to do, we all are

crying at some point. Someone is always walking

around with a box of tissues looking for the next

person that is crying. This is a crucial moment in

letting go, moving forward and taking a step

towards healing” he says.

Will you run for President in 2014?

I plan to decline the nomination I have received

for the upcoming election as president. I have a

lot on my plate right now and need to focus on

my personal life. I have given a lot of time and

effort to the EMS Memorial ride and have exclud-

ed some of my personal life to the point that I

was no longer enjoying life at home. I was not

getting out and doing things that I enjoy. The

time has come to focus on other my other

passions such as sailing and spending more down

time relaxing with family and friends.

So what is next for you?

I want to strengthen the ties of all of the EMS

Honor Guard groups in Texas. We do not current-

ly have a central point of contact. I would like to

set up a core point of contact so that we have

better communication when the need arises for

Honor Guard members.

I also believe it is imperative to increase the

awareness in this state that EMS is a profession

not just a job. There are too many people in the

industry that still think EMS is just a job. It’s an

honorable profession. We are members of public

safety providing a high-risk layer of protection for

the citizens of this country and there is honor in

that. It is our responsibility to honor ourselves

and our fellow EMS providers. Whether they are

paid, volunteer, private or government providers

we are all the same and there's room for

improvement. The EMS profession is still young

and we are forming traditions, so it’s up to us

how we choose to honor ourselves and our

colleagues.

Currently there is no Texas EMS Memorial, so

with the knowledge and the connections I have

made over the last eight years it is my goal to

bring forth a Texas EMS Memorial for our

providers.

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Where hope soars, lives change,

and dreams take hold.

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There is an organization that I am proud

to be a part of, it is Angel Flight. Angel

Flights mission is to coordinate with volun-

teers across south central region to facili-

tate transport of the critically ill pediatric

patients and their families. These patients

are transported to a much needed higher

level of medical care than can be received

at their local hospital. At no cost to the

patient, Angel Flight air lifts patients in

donated aircraft with volunteer pilots to

their respective destinations. Family and

patients alike receive the highest level of

care and consideration for their comfort

and expedience of travel.

The Angel Flight team connects patients in

need of transportation with pilots who are

available for the missions so that details

including airport of departure and final

destination can be confirmed. On the day

of travel, the patient, family members and

other necessary passengers meet the pilot

at a local airport or air field then is flown

to an airport near their treatment facility,

usually John Hopkins Hospital. Because of

the ongoing commitment of numerous

volunteer pilots, no one has to be denied

critical medical care solely due to the

barrier of distance.

Two years ago while training to obtain my

commercial flight license, I learned about

the Angel Flight program. Upon completion

of flight training I immediately volunteered

to fly for a mission. I now have the honor

of flying a Cessna 4-5 times a month to

picking up, transporting and returning

children in need from Texas, New Mexico,

Oklahoma and Louisiana.

My most memorable flight was a male

pediatric patient that was scheduled for

transport, but at the last minute the family

was unable to get to the airfield due to car

problems. I obtained the family’s phone

number and spoke with family members

in flight and asked them to give me the

GPS coordinates from their iPhone. I input

the coordinates and flew to the area,

circled around a couple times looking at

hazards and landing areas. I felt confident

in my assessment and landed the plane on

the street leading to the patient’s home. I

carefully taxied up to the front door, load-

ed the patient, family and a nurse. We

then taxied back out to the road and I ef-

fortlessly resumed flight with all passen-

gers to MD Anderson Hospital. The patient

was able to make his appointment and re-

ceived lifesaving treatment that afternoon.

It is times like these that I can look back

and know that I truly made a difference in

someone’s life. I am thankful that I have

the skills, knowledge and ability to make

that difference. To give back to a com-

munity in need is incredibly rewarding.

The smiles on the faces of the patients and

the gratitude of the families are all I need

to continue volunteering.

Angel Flight By Craig Fairbrother, Medic II

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The annual Take Heart Survivor Celebration gives cardiac arrest survivors the opportunity to meet the

rescuers involved in their resuscitation.

This year’s celebration in May was especially heartfelt for two ATCEMS Captains due to the complete

recovery of a vivacious 7 year old cardiac arrest patient. The unit responding was assigned to a priority 3

sick call, but when they arrived on scene they found a 7-year- old female in cardiac arrest. It was a very

demanding and chaotic call especially with no fire backup to assist, thus making the event all that more

stressful.

The crew, Captains Randy Chhabra and Mike McDaniel, immediately fell into their roles doing what they

do best; taking action and focusing on the patient and her needs. The crew successfully administered

cardiac defibrillation, which is very uncommon on a child.

Randy and Mike successfully resuscitated the patient and she survived the incident without any

neuro deficit.

All heads turned and the excitement gained momentum when the child arrived in the Meet and Greet

room. She was a little shy when introduced to Mayor Leffingwell, but shyness quickly turned to joy when

she finally got to meet her heroes, Randy and Mike. The picture says it all!

Making a Difference

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Growing up in a comfortable suburb of California, I

never imagined myself doing this kind of thing. After all,

“Public Information Officer” probably isn’t written on

many first grade projects when describing their future

career.

I moved to Texas in June of 2011 so I could fulfill my

dream, attending The University of Texas. I was over-

joyed at the thought of being able to attend one of the

finest journalism schools in the world. Determined not to

become the prototypical indecisive college student, I

was certain of my path. I had aspirations of becoming a

sports writer, maybe someday for my favorite team, the

Dodgers. Suddenly there I was one day. The kid who

looks like they’ve seen a ghost after hearing, “So, what

do you want to do with your life?”

Over the course of my time at UT, I began the cliché

journey of “finding myself.” I would look for fascinating

stories I could write on a weekly basis: stories that were

outside of my comfort zone. It was then that I stumbled

across the complexity that is Austin-Travis County EMS.

I already had some connections, which made the

transition easier. Gerry Moreau, who some of you may

know, is my brother-in-law.

Since then, I have developed a unique admiration for

ATCEMS. I’ve had the opportunity and privilege of

working with several employees, all of which embody

what a public health system is all about. Blood, sweat,

and tears is what they say, and in this industry, you can

take that literally. I was just as shocked as anyone else

when I realized that I just couldn’t stay away from EMS

happenings: the passion, the people, and their stories. I

had found my new aspiration.

I am incredibly honored to be your inaugural intern. I

want to bring what journalism experience I have togeth-

er with what EMS already does so well. I’ve been trained

by the best at UT and feel ready to bring what I’ve

learned into the department. In the areas I will be

working, I am most excited to apply what I’ve learned

about how to utilize social media presence. I’ve been

lucky enough to work with some of the best social

media innovators, and in this day and age, it’s the

single best way to connect with the community.

Because public safety is largely evaluated on how

departments interact with the public, this is a crucial

time for EMS professionals across the country.

Of course, more importantly for me, is what I learn from

all of you. I will come in with open ears and eyes ready

to absorb every bit of information I can. I can’t wait to

see the inner workings and day-to-day operations of

such a notable industry.

Each and every time this department brings in a future

intern, you will only be better for it. Like I always say,

good is not good enough when better is expected. The

reputation of ATCEMS will never be done growing. The

community will always expect better, as it should. The

world is changing rapidly, and new, innovative ideas are

a positive externality of that. That is exactly what I hope

to bring to ATCEMS. Not only my ideas, but the many

future ideas of those that will take my place down the

road.

With that said, I am eager to become part of a

community that lives to serve others. I thank everyone

for the welcome I have already received, and I hope

that the rest of you will be equally as receptive to this

new chapter in the story.

By Melissa Menashe, PIO Intern

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Public Information Office

A NEW Face...Chapter

Challenge...Meet our

PIO Intern

Melissa Menashe

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Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

The Health & Lifestyle Expo has been sched-

uled for October 8, 7:30 am—2 pm at

Palmer Events Center. Visit with your supervi-

sor now about attending. Highlights include:

Meet Baseball Hall of Famer and Diabetes

Spokesperson Lou Brock

Get Free Produce and sample Healthy

Snacks

Take the Maintain No Gain Challenge

Get a Free Flu Shot and a Free Massage

No registration is needed to attend the Expo.

To complete a Health Assessment at the Expo,

you must make an appt. 877-366-7483.

Health & Lifestyle Expo

The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign continues through mid-October. Mammo Mixers are being offered at St.

David’s Breast Center to encourage female employees and spouses enrolled in a City medical plan to get a mammo-

gram. These popular mixers fill up fast; check on TRAI N for available openings.

The purpose of the campaign is to highlight the importance of early detection. So even if you don’t attend a mixer,

if you are eligible (age 40 and older, or younger with family history), remember to get your annual mammogram at

a network provider. City benefits cover an annual mammogram at 100%.

Women’s Health Seminars

Attend this informational seminar for women presented by UHC Health Coach Sarah Nielsen. Learn the key issues for each

decade of life: 20s, 30s, 40s, etc. Get your personal health questions answered. Sign up is on TRAIN.

Oct. 1st Noon to 1 pm One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Room 325

If you have questions, call 512- 974-3284 and ask to speak with a Wellness Consultant.

Women’s Health Seminars

Attend this informational seminar for women presented by

UHC Health Coach Sarah Nielsen. Learn the key issues for

each decade of life: 20s, 30s, 40s, etc. Get your personal

health questions answered. Sign up is on TRAIN.

Oct. 1 Noon to 1 pm One Texas Center,

505 Barton Springs, Room 325

If you have questions, call 512- 974-3284 and ask to

speak with a Wellness Consultant.

23

Overview of Q4 Classes

Mind & Body

Pilates Mat Class

Tai Chi

Yoga

Run & Walk Training Groups

Run/Walk and Trail Dogs

Walk

PE2

Cardio Group Exercise

Cardio Kickboxing

Tap Dance

Spin classes at the YMCA

Zumba

Strength Training

KX Circuit Training

Defensive Tactics and Conditioning

Women’s Self Defense Class

Circuit Training at PARD Rec Center Gym

Strength Training

Boot Camp

Beginner Boot Camp

Boot Camp

Camp Gladiator Boot Camp

Sports

Beginner and Intermediate Tennis

Soccer

Beginner Volleyball

Introduction to Rowing

Questions?

Email coa.peprogram@austintexas.gov or call 974-3284.

Why is exercise important?

With regular exercise, you can expect to see positive changes in your health, such as weight loss, lower

cholesterol, lower blood pressure and reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. In fact, employees who

participate in wellness activities have, on average, $131 less in health care claims per month. Make it

your goal to incorporate 150 min. of moderate exercise a week.

PE classes are FREE and conducted by trained coaches and instructors with the necessary experience

and certifications to help you get the best possible workout!

Below are the current classes that are offered. Keep an eye on the Healthy Connections webpage for

next quarter sign up dates!

24

DELIGHTFUL DISHESDELIGHTFUL DISHESDELIGHTFUL DISHES

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash or 2 small spaghetti

squash

1 1/2 lbs. Italian chicken or turkey sausage, casings

removed

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch kale

3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Salt and pepper

2 Tbs. pine nuts, toasted

2 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped

Heat oven to 400°F. Place squash in microwave for 3-4 minutes to soften Using a sharp knife cut the squash

in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Place the halves, with the cut side up, on a rimmed bak-

ing sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes, until

you can poke the squash easily with a fork. Let cool until you can handle it safely.

Meanwhile, prepare the kale by removing the center stems and either tearing or cutting up the leaves. Heat

the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add the

chicken sausage and break apart with a spatula to crumble. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring regularly, until

the sausage is browned and cooked through. Add the kale and stir. Cook for a few minutes more to wilt the

kale. Remove from heat and set aside.

Once cooled, scrape the insides of the spaghetti squash with a fork to shred the squash into strands. Transfer

the strands into the skillet with the sausage and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Divide the mixture among the squash shells, and then top with pine nuts and parsley to serve.

Sausage, Kale and Spaghetti Squash Boats

25

WHAT’S IN SEASON?

Seasonal veggies are better for your tastebuds AND your wallet!

26

“Nearly 40,000 women and 400 men die every year of breast cancer,” according to Lynn

Erdman, Vice President of Community Health at Komen. In the United States, some

researchers credit screening with a death-rate reduction of 15 percent, still 1 in 8 women will

be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Lynn says “Until that number dissipates, I

don’t think there’s enough pink.”

Even as American women embraced mammography, researchers’ understanding of breast

cancer — including the role of early detection — was shifting. The disease, it has become

clear, does not always behave in a uniform way. It’s not even one disease. There are at least

four genetically distinct breast cancers. They may have different causes and definitely respond

differently to treatment.

Early detection and treatment is still the best strategy for a better cancer outcome. The

following is a common strategy, but ask your doctor exactly what you should do to help

prevent breast cancer or find it early:

Check your breasts once a month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends.

Have a thorough medical checkup twice a year, and have annual mammograms. Some

experts recommend starting screening mammography at age 40. Start mammograms

earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.

If you use contraception, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of birth control pills.

If you are near or in menopause, ask your doctor if you should use hormone replacement

therapy to treat menopause symptoms. Studies suggest that hormone replacement,

especially therapies with a combination of estrogens and progestin’s, can increase the risk

of breast cancer. You and your doctor can make this decision based on your risk of breast

cancer.

If you are at high risk for breast cancer, certain drugs that block the effects of estrogen,

such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The risks and benefits of these medications should be discussed with your doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

In its early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As a tumor develops, you

may note the following signs:

A lump in the breast or underarm that remains after your menstrual cycle. This is often the

first apparent symptom of breast cancer. Lumps associated with breast cancer are usually

painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a

mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.

Swelling in the armpit.

Pain or tenderness in the breast. Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness

can be a sign of breast cancer.

A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumor that can-

not be seen or felt.

Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast. A reddish, pitted

surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer.

Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another color. It's usually

caused by benign conditions but could be due to cancer in some cases.

An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.

AWARENESS is the KEY to DISCOVERY

27

“Nearly 40,000 women and 400 men die every year of breast cancer,” according to Lynn

Erdman, Vice President of Community Health at Komen. In the United States, some

researchers credit screening with a death-rate reduction of 15 percent, still 1 in 8 women will

be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Lynn says “Until that number dissipates, I

don’t think there’s enough pink.”

Even as American women embraced mammography, researchers’ understanding of breast

cancer — including the role of early detection — was shifting. The disease, it has become

clear, does not always behave in a uniform way. It’s not even one disease. There are at least

four genetically distinct breast cancers. They may have different causes and definitely respond

differently to treatment.

Early detection and treatment is still the best strategy for a better cancer outcome. The

following is a common strategy, but ask your doctor exactly what you should do to help

prevent breast cancer or find it early:

Check your breasts once a month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends.

Have a thorough medical checkup twice a year, and have annual mammograms. Some

experts recommend starting screening mammography at age 40. Start mammograms

earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.

If you use contraception, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of birth control pills.

If you are near or in menopause, ask your doctor if you should use hormone replacement

therapy to treat menopause symptoms. Studies suggest that hormone replacement,

especially therapies with a combination of estrogens and progestin’s, can increase the risk

of breast cancer. You and your doctor can make this decision based on your risk of breast

cancer.

If you are at high risk for breast cancer, certain drugs that block the effects of estrogen,

such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The risks and benefits of these medications should be discussed with your doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

In its early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As a tumor develops, you

may note the following signs:

A lump in the breast or underarm that remains after your menstrual cycle. This is often the

first apparent symptom of breast cancer. Lumps associated with breast cancer are usually

painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a

mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.

Swelling in the armpit.

Pain or tenderness in the breast. Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness

can be a sign of breast cancer.

A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumor that can-

not be seen or felt.

Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast. A reddish, pitted

surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer.

Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another color. It's usually

caused by benign conditions but could be due to cancer in some cases.

An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.

AWARENESS is the KEY to DISCOVERY

28

Heath Holt and Jacob Smith with Governor Rick Perry at the

X Games.

Chris Waters and John Donohoe

working Red Fest at Circuit of the

Pinning and swearing ceremony at HQ

Chief Gardner gets her BP taken

during her health assessment at

the Wellness Center

Ashton Peek

(Marc’s son!)

is an Explorer

Motor Medic Training Shed seems tired from Motor

Medic training

29

Kyle Cirac after finishing the 5K portion of the Austin

Marathon. Kyle suffered a cardiac arrest at last year's

Statesman Capitol 10K.

If you’re old enough to

remember you were

probably a fan too!

Chris Waters and John Donohoe

working Red Fest at Circuit of the

Scott and Juan preparing food for

Medics working the inaugural X

Games

Captain Randy Chhabra teaching hands-

only CPR at the Lakeway Activity Center

Commander/PIO Mike Benavides conducts “The

Shocking Truth” Lightning Safety presentation

Connor and Rachel at

Explorers wilderness

first aid training

30

Employee Recognition |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Neda Oskouee, Adam Bostick and John Eeten:

I wanted you guys to see how important what you all do for us is in the daily work of the staff you teach and mentor; the impact it has on our staff, the agencies we serve with, and the patients we take care of.

This is the product of your work, your education process, your desire to give back to your colleagues and your

profession.

Thank you all for what you do and your contributions, this is the product of YOUR work, and for that I thank you all.

Bravo Zulu!

Mikel Kane,

Division Chief

Tonight TCSO had an Assault with Injury (Strangulation) family violence call.

We requested EMS for two victims (a 54 year old female who had been bitten, and another victim who

had been bitten and strangled).

Since your EMTs were already there we asked if they would check the suspect, to determine if another

EMS crew was needed to transport the suspect to an area hospital.

Throughout their contact with the belligerent suspect, your EMTs did an outstanding job of providing care

and using restraint. He was intoxicated and problematic.

I commend ATCEMS Medics Becky Tolbert #1670 and Kevin Delashmit #1583 for a job well done.

My partners and I appreciate their cooperative and professional attitude.

Steven Moore #1262

Travis County Sheriff’s Office

Senior Deputy Sheriff/Field Training Officer

Becky and Kevin,

I personally want to thank you both for your professionalism and commitment to the citizens who depend

on us, and the partner agencies we work with every day. You have represented us all, our agency and

our profession with honor, courage and commitment; for that I am grateful. Thank you for your work.

Bravo Zulu!

Mikel Kane, Division Chief

31

New FTO’s

Jeff Elias

Brian Stubbs

Michael Flanagan

Nathan Rasmussen

New Captains

Natalie Lyon

Dave Thomas

New Commanders

Craig Smith

Jim Martin

Danielle Henson, Tara Spencer, Lance Foster:

After reviewing a Customer Service issue surrounding a call on 8/26/2014 it must be noted how well the staff

performed during and after this call. All three, Commander Danielle Henson, Captain Tara Spencer, and Communications Medic Lance Foster, demonstrated the utmost professionalism, highest degree of patience, and true commitment to our profession and our organization.

They have made my job so much easier in dealing with a difficult situation by maintaining their utmost desire to

assist this citizen with their issue while at the same time adhering to the safety practices and procedures to protect their co-workers and teammates.

My thanks to them for their commitment to the mission, the citizens we serve, and their craft. It is a pleasure working beside professionals like Daniel, Tara, and Lance.

Bravo Zulu!

Mikel Kane

Division Chief

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Rick Branning can now be found amongst the billing

ladies as the Customer Care Program Manager.

Congratulations on your promotion!

Rick Rutledge is the newest team member within

the PIO section.

32

Patient Comments:

They pretty much walked me right through everything that was going on. I couldn't have wished for better care.

Very professional and kind. Thank you and continue being the best.

They were very caring and they certainly had my health and situation in mind. They were here quickly, very helpful,

and it was very good and comforting to have that kind of care.

They were very sensitive to what I was feeling.

Their demeanor was very calming, and telling me play by play what was going on and what was happening. They

were just great.

They were very clear with their instructions and caring for me, and let me make my own choices and I really

appreciated that.

Customer Service Response:

715 calls were made during July. The questions asked focused on measurable

customer service actions.

Respondents were asked to rate the customer service provided by our medics on a scale from 1 to 5,

with 5 being the best – 91.37% of the patients rated the customer service they received at a 5 and

5.58% rated their service at a 4. The average rating overall was 4.86out of 5 for customer service.

The response we obtained from our customers is evidence of the great medics we have and the

tremendous job you do each and every day.

33

Patient Comments:

They pretty much walked me right through everything that was going on. I couldn't have wished for better care.

Very professional and kind. Thank you and continue being the best.

They were very caring and they certainly had my health and situation in mind. They were here quickly, very helpful,

and it was very good and comforting to have that kind of care.

They were very sensitive to what I was feeling.

Their demeanor was very calming, and telling me play by play what was going on and what was happening. They

were just great.

They were very clear with their instructions and caring for me, and let me make my own choices and I really

appreciated that.

The dawn of a new day brings

new beginnings, new opportunities,

and renewed faith to capture

your dreams.

34

Blast from the past...MCI drill

EMAIL US WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING…

WRITING A GUEST COLUMN

PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS

STORIES FROM THE FIELD/COMMUNICATIONS

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

ANYTHING ELSE WE MAY HAVE MISSED OR YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW

ABOUT

EDITOR IN CHIEF: lisa.sepulveda@austintexas.gov

ASSOCIATE EDITOR/WRITER: sheila.schwall@austintexas.gov

COVER ARTWORK/PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER: clemente.leal@austintexas.gov