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Tuesday, May 28, 2013 11:38 am
(StatePoint) It’s not as easy to hide under layers of clothing during the summer. You’ll want to look your best in those shorts, t-shirts and bathing suits; as such, staying in shape is key.
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:43 pm
Whether it's a bicycle collision or difficulty breathing, the UA community can count on quick help from students trained and certified as EMTs.
The University of Arizona Student Emergency Medical Services, or UASEMS, group has been operational for three semesters and provides assistance in medical emergencies. Its leaders emphasize thorough training and certification.
"We're students at the UA who happen to be EMTs. We're not student EMTs," says Derek Smith, manager of UA Student Emergency Medical Services and a non-degree-seeking graduate student.
When Brandon Murphy arrived at the UA three years ago, he didn't find any options for students to work in EMS on campus. He met up with two other students – who've since graduated – to begin brainstorming a program that students could run. They looked at other universities that have student EMS programs and modeled a club after the best practices they found around the country. It took two years to work through the administration and risk management officials, but they were able to start as a club with ASUA funding and began responding in spring 2012.
UASEMS switched to funding from the student service fee and began expanding hours in fall 2012. As the fall progressed, the group did too, taking on additional days until they were operating from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week.
UASEMS this year was the sole EMS provider at the Tucson Festival of Books, saving the festival $4,000 by not using the Tucson Fire Department. UASEMS also works stand-by at Spring Fling, football games and tailgating and when requested for special events, like the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure.
"Anything that occurs on campus, we can be there," Murphy says. "Our members do get put into emergencies where they're the only person there, so we make sure they're held to the same certification. We weren't going to settle for a CPR certification or anything else. We make sure everyone has state certification."
UASEMS finished the semester with 32 student members, most of whom are certified Emergency Medical Technicians, with the same Arizona training and certification as a Southwest Basic Life Support Ambulance. Two EMTs staff each 12-hour shift, sometimes along with an additional Certified First Responder, and typically respond to at least two calls for service. On its busiest day, UASEMS responded to 12 calls in a 24-hour period.
Common calls for service deal with fall victims, injuries from pedestrian, bicycle or vehicle collisions and respiratory distress.
"It's part of our emergency mission to provide a quick, rapid response and be the first to provide care until further medical care arrives," Murphy says.
By checking vital signs and reporting to paramedics, the student EMTs can eliminate a step and save valuable time if a patient needs to be taken to a hospital.
"There are calls where we take the blood pressure while waiting for TFD and give the information right to them so they can load and go. They appreciate it," Murphy says.
Many students join out of an interest in a future medical career, some have even gone on to medical school already, while others are considering EMT as a career. Interest is growing; the group has received 80 applications since the fall that they haven't been able to accept. They're hoping to take on as many as 10 in the fall and hope to expand to providing EMS service around the clock, seven days as week.
UASEMS has a golf cart and two bicycles, all equipped with emergency gear. UAPD ride-alongs are a mandatory part of the orientation, which includes 20 hours of vigorous bike training and instruction on bloodborne pathogens and health privacy laws. The members participate in monthly continuing education courses and perform mock drills during the week.
"It's real-life, in-the-field experience they can't get shadowing somebody in a hospital," says Murphy, a junior in communications from New Jersey. "Here, you're set to a standard and you have a responsibility. That is your patient until further medical attention arrives."
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013 10:00 pm
(StatePoint) It’s not as easy to hide under layers of clothing during the summer. You’ll want to look your best in those shorts, t-shirts and bathing suits; as such, staying in shape is key.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013 4:44 am
(NAPSI)From daily commuting to summer road trips, the amount of time we spend driving adds up quicklyand so can travel costs. However, a few good driving habits can help put the brakes on unnecessary spending and get you on the road to savings:
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 2:25 pm
It’s easy to get out and explore Arizona on two wheels — our state is renowned for its good weather, new infrastructure and beautiful scenery. Those are just some of the reasons that Arizona is ranked number 10 in the country for bicycle friendliness by the League of American Bicyclists in their annual survey. That’s a jump from number 14 in 2012.
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 4:00 am
Those aches and creaks when you roll over in the morning can often become more common as the years go by. Age-related changes in your bones, muscles and joints are a fact of life, but they’re also preventable – don’t assume that those creaking noises and pain are an inevitable part of aging. There are many things you can do to prevent pain, as well as reduce your risk for diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis.
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 4:00 am
Fifth graders from Oro Valley and surrounding areas no doubt had a lot to talk about on their bus ride back to class from the town’s fifth-annual Drug Awareness Day, held at Riverfront Park on Friday.
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Thursday, April 18, 2013 4:44 am
(NAPSI)—Take a moment to reflect on how easily you access water every day: From just grabbing a bottle of water to throwing their clothes in the wash, most Americans take it for granted that water’s there for all their needs.
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Thursday, April 11, 2013 4:44 am
(NAPSI)—Let’s face it, you can have a truly great safari experience no matter where in Africa you go. But in many ways, who you go with is more important than where you go. For me, whether it’s Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, side trips to Zanzibar or Victoria Falls, or gorilla tracking excursions to Rwanda, my choice of tour operator is always the same—Micato Safaris.
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013 4:00 am
Visitors traveling along I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak at Picacho Peak State Park. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times.
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013 4:00 am
Catalina State Park is a 5,500-acre gem, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. They are drawn by views of the soaring Catalina Mountains, the miles of hiking and biking trails, the overnight camping and equestrian areas and the rich and varied program of activities organized by Park rangers and volunteers.
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013 4:00 am
Best Mom and pop business
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Sunday, March 24, 2013 10:00 pm
Like many products and pursuits that have developed over the decades, recreational vehicles have come a long way from the tow-a-longs of the early to mid-20th century. Before motorized recreational vehicles hit the road, pulling a trailer behind your car or truck – loaded with food, sleeping and cooking gear – was the best way to get you and your family out of the city and into nature for a long weekend.
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Friday, March 15, 2013 11:41 am
March 20 is the first-ever Arizona Gives Day. It begins at midnight on March 20 and lasts until 11:59 p.m. This is an online giving event to support nonprofits through a secure website. The Oro Valley Community Foundation is part of the Arizona Day of Giving.
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Monday, March 11, 2013 4:00 am
BMX and mountain bike riders don’t have to wait too much longer for a place to ride and compete with the finishing touches being made to a dirt track in the Northwest.
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Monday, March 4, 2013 11:00 pm
(BPT) - Small businesses that adopt online marketing strategies see significant business benefits, ranging from improved campaign performance to higher return on investment (ROI), according to a recent study conducted by Forrester. However, small businesses are likely still favoring newspaper advertising and direct mail, which are time-intensive and costly.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013 4:00 am
With a passion for people and exercise, owner Chris Litten, was motivated at an early age to become a personal trainer and ended up starting his own business, Body Basics, in 2004.
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Thursday, February 14, 2013 11:00 pm
(BPT) - The American Diabetes Association is challenging bicycle riders to be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes(R) by participating in the annual Tour de Cure(R), a cycling event to raise funds to help fight diabetes. Tour de Cure is a fun way to get out with your family, friends or co-workers and has routes designed for all riders - from 5-mile family rides to 100-mile century rides. It is a ride, not a race, so participants are encouraged to go at their own pace.
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013 4:00 am
Marana Police Officer Brad Clifford and Sgt. Will Hess are teaming with Pima County Deputy Sergeants Joe Knipp and Terry Staten to ride in the Police Unity Tour on May 9.
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Monday, February 4, 2013 3:02 pm
Marana Police Officer Brad Clifford and Sgt. Will Hess are teaming with Pima County Deputy Sergeants Joe Knipp and Terry Staten to ride in the Police Unity Tour on May 9.
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Wednesday, January 30, 2013 4:00 am
It was a packed room at the Sun City Social Hall on Tuesday when Oro Valley Police Chief Daniel Sharp discussed community policing – a sign the residents of Oro Valley are not only interested in the topic, but already implementing it.
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Monday, January 28, 2013 11:00 pm
(BPT) - Even with the best intentions, many of us who resolve to live a healthier lifestyle in 2013 will fall back into old, familiar habits much sooner than we would like. To maintain motivation and create a routine that is both sustainable and effective, it’s important to invest in the right tools for every room in your house.
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Thursday, January 24, 2013 11:00 pm
(BPT) - More baby boomers and older adults are taking a proactive approach to heart health. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle in your golden years and dealing with any type of diagnosis head-on is the smart way to keep your heart pumping strong for many years to come. Following these five easy steps can help you take control.
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Tuesday, January 22, 2013 4:02 pm
More than 1,000 kids and adults of all ages and abilities on bikes and on foot joined “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey and top American pro cyclist Tom Danielson at the free Ride On, Tucson! bike party in Armory Park on Sunday, Jan. 20.
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Medical technology has allowed one man with Parkinsons disease to take an epic bicycle journey. (NAPS)
