Americans across the United States are getting ready to light up the sky with dazzling firework displays in recognition of the Fourth of July. Emergency departments are preparing as well.
“The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks start over 19,000 fires and send more than 9,000 people to the ER each year,” says Corrina Repetto, MD, with IU Health Emergency Services.
Research from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows about 74% of firework-related injuries happen in the weeks before and after July 4, and Repetto says they see the same trend in the emergency departments she works in.
She commonly sees patients with injuries to their eyes, hands, fingers, face and ears.
“Burns are the most common injuries, about 40%,” Dr. Repetto says.
The other 60% of injuries can include, but aren’t limited to:
Temporary or permanent hearing loss and ear ringing due to the loud noise.
Permanent vision loss due to the impact or debris from fireworks.
Bone fractures from explosions or flying debris.
Lacerations and bruises to soft tissues.
“Many of these injuries occur due to direct contact with the fireworks, mishandling or malfunctioning of fireworks, or even fireworks landing on individuals or their clothing,” says Dr. Repetto.
But these aren’t the only issues people deal with due to fireworks.
“People with post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, or sensory sensitivities can find fireworks very distressing,” says Dr. Repetto. “It’s important to be mindful of individuals in the community who may be adversely affected by fireworks and to consider alternative ways to celebrate without causing distress.”
Some may experience respiratory health issues due to firework smoke and other irritating airborne particulates. Other individuals may experience allergic reactions to the substances in firework smoke. Staying a safe distance from where fireworks are lit is very important for these people.
Other issues Dr. Repetto and her team see during this holiday include heat-related illnesses and skin issues from being outdoors without proper protection from the sun or insects, along with alcohol-related injuries.
Her tips for staying safe while enjoying the holiday are:
Have a meet-up point or a plan in case someone—especially children—gets separated from your group.
Keep children and pets away from grills and campfires.
Never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.
Keep pets indoors and in a secure environment during fireworks displays.
Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water, even if you’re not feeling thirsty
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
Never light fireworks indoors.
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
Emergency departments are here to help anyone who has a medical emergency 24/7 365. Please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department for emergency help.
“If you are unsure about the severity of a situation, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention,” says Dr. Repetto.
Elizabeth Klisiewicz is a nurse at Methodist Hospital who cares for patients with behavioral health challenges. She has wanted to work with this patient population since high school. “I took an advanced psychology class and I was so amazed with what the brain could make us see and hear that wasn’t exactly there. I go into each day understanding I need to have patience with [my patients]. I have to try to put myself in their shoes to really make sure that they understand they’re safe.
<p><strong><em>At one point, he wasn’t expected to live, now this young man is focused on bringing joy to others.</em><br></strong></p>
<p><em>By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, </em><a href=”mailto:tfender1@iuhealth.org”>tfender1@iuhealth.org</a></p>
<p>As he walked the hall of IU Health University Hospital, William Waldroup was assisted by physical therapist Eric Anderson and nurse Lydia Stone.</p>
<p>There was a time when Waldroup’s parents were told he wouldn’t walk at all. And now he’s not only walking the hospital halls; he’s walked across the stage to receive a diploma.</p>
<p>His family has adopted the phrase: “They said you wouldn’t; we thought you could. You showed them that you would.”</p>
<p>Waldroup was born a 23-week preemie, weighing 1.8 ounces. He was given less than 10 percent chance of surviving. His twin lived eight days. Both boys were born with Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening illness with a 50 percent mortality rate. NEC is an inflammation of the intestine that can damage the colon and intestine. He also had a hole in his stomach and kidney malfunction.</p>
<p>“He almost died on his first birthday. He had 22 pumps going at a time,” said his mother, Rustena Waldoup, New Palestine, Ind. William saw his second birthday and was diagnosed with Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and chronic lung disease. His mother and father, David, also learned William is profoundly deaf. </p>
<p>At the age of seven, William received his first transplant – an intestine and kidney. That was August 2009. “He did pretty well until he was diagnosed with liver disease,” said his mother. On Dec. 17, 2022, William received a second transplant – liver, pancreas, intestine, and stomach.</p>
<p>He was in the transplant care of <a href=”https://iuhealth.org/find-providers/provider/richard-s-mangus-md-7868″>Dr. Richard Mangus</a> and a team of clinicians at IU Health. Since December 2022, he has made multiple hospital visits – for pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and other complications. In all, he had six surgeries in two weeks. “Since December, he’s only been home five days,” said his mom. </p>
<p>Those hospital visits have connected William to nurses and other patients. They mention his name and smile. He’s been known to bring candy, lotion and other gifts to others on the floor. </p>
<p>“William is a people person. He loves visiting people at the hospital and considers the patients and nurses his friends,” said Rustena Waldroup. He turned 21 on June 22 and has been inviting everyone he meets to his party planned next month. </p>
<p>He is also an uncle. His older brother has two children. “William loves being an uncle. His niece is his pride and joy,” said his mom. He also loves music – especially “AC/DC” and “Imagine Dragons.” </p>
<p>When William graduated with a certificate of completion from Indiana School for the Deaf his family created a “thankful board,” expressing their gratitude to others. “We know he wouldn’t be here but for the grace of God working through his doctors and nurses,” said Rustena Waldoup. </p>
<p>“We say every day is a borrowed day,” said his mom. “We’ve had almost 21 years of borrowed time. We believe William is here to cheer others. He’s one of the most loving people you’ll meet. He’s personable and that draws people to him.” </p>
By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region
Trish Harris, director of clinical operations at IU Health Tipton, reflects on her 15 years at the hospital and the teams who made her fall in love with her job.
Trish Harris was recently named director of clinical operations at IU Health Tipton, but her career at the hospital started 15 and a half years ago, when she applied for a nursing opening in the hospital’s Emergency department (ED).
“At first, I came and interviewed for the ED position, but then the ED manager thought I could work in the operating room (OR) as well,” she said.
Harris got the job, working part time in both departments. That didn’t last long though.
“I loved it so much here that I became full time, and I’ve been here ever since,” she added.
From there, Harris began taking steps toward management. She became charge nurse in the OR and worked closely with the department manager. When that position became available, Harris was named OR manager.
Around five years ago, the ED manager position became vacant, and Harris was asked to manage that department on top of her current one.
Additionally, she filled in managing the Intensive Care Unit and Medical-Surgical Unit when that manger had time off as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Then, in 2022, she also took on the role of managing Oncology. This is the only department she will continue to directly manager in her new position. The other departments will have managers that report to Harris.
“My role is to assist the Chief Nursing Officer in the daily operations of the building as well as support the nursing teams and clinical roles of the facility,” Harris explained. “I used to be boots on the ground, same as the team, so I can relate to them. I know when they’re busy what they’re going through. I know their struggles. It makes a difference.”
Harris isn’t from the Tipton area, but when she started working at the hospital, she fell in love with the facility and people quickly.
“Coming here was a culture shock at first for me. I was used to bigger facilities where you don’t know the people you’re passing in the hall,” she said. “I love that we know each other here. You feel like you’re part of a family and the people really do care about you.”
She not only got to know the team quickly but also the people seeking care.
“You learn your patients here because they’re coming from the community,” she explained. “It’s a true sense of community and a family. The team members here feel the same way. You definitely see that in the care they give to the patients.”
That is one of the things that keeps Harris at IU Health Tipton–the dedication and care of the clinical teams.
“They love their community hospital. They love what they do. They want to succeed and provide high quality care.”
Harris also appreciates that clinical team members cross train in other departments to be able to help if an area is short staffed or the patient need is high on a certain day. For example, in the departments she managed, ICU and Medical-Surgical nurses would cross train in the ED while surgical nurses would help in Oncology.
“They’re really functional. We have to be flexible like that to succeed and thrive here,” she said. “Wherever the patient need is, we have many resources to meet that here in the facility.”
Another thing that stuck out to Harris is the longevity of some of the team members. Many have been at the hospital for decades, and some have even brought family members to work at the hospital as well.
Harris said she sees herself having a long career at IU Health Tipton as well.
“I love my job. I love the teams. I love the patients. I can’t imagine myself ever leaving here.”
While she reflects on her career, Harris wants to encourage others to follow their dreams.
“I’ve always felt like IU Health has supported my journey and encouraged me to do what I wanted to do,” she said. “They’ve always provided me with the resources I needed to get to where I wanted to be.”
IU Health and Riley Children’s Health are looking for talented individuals to join our team. Those interested in a career in healthcare can visit iuhealth.org/careers to see what positions are available.
Today’s surprise compliment shines the spotlight on Nikki Cooper! She’s a physical therapist at IU Health North Hospital. “Nikki is such an amazing colleague who consistently goes above and beyond for our team and our patients. My favorite days at the clinic are when I get to work besides Nikki and share patients with her. She brings such a positive attitude to work each day and provides a peaceful energy in the office.”
Created in 2021, the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group aims to bring awareness, support and education to team members and the patients they serve at IU Health North, Saxony, Tipton and West hospitals.
By Charlotte Stefanski, cstefanski@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region
When Sara Henry came out to her family at 18 years old, she was met with a wave of love, encouragement and support.
Now, she’s hoping to bring that same feeling to team members at IU Health who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
Henry first joined the IU Health Saxony team seven years ago, starting off in housekeeping and then working as a patient care assistant for five years. For the last two years, she’s been in her guest relations role, now serving as a team lead.
When the Indianapolis Suburban Region (ISR)—which includes IU Health North, Saxony, Tipton and West hospitals—created an LGBTQ+ Affinity Group in 2021, Henry jumped in.
The group works to bring LGBTQ+ awareness, support, and education to team members and the patients they serve. It is open to team members who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies of the community.
“With working at a smaller facility like Saxony, it was really important for me to get the LGBTQ+ community together; to make sure people felt understood and like they’re not alone,” Henry explained. “For the longest time, I thought I was the only gay person that worked there. But the more you start to get out there, you realize that’s not entirely true. It was just really important for me to get us all together.”
Sara Henry, guest relations team lead at IU Health Saxony
While the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for the group to hold in-person meetings and activities, it still had some major milestones, including the Pride Passport event and pride parades during Pride Month each June.
Henry was also the first team member to host a pride parade at IU Health Saxony in 2021. Now, pride parades are held annually at IU Health North, Saxony, Tipton and West hospitals.
“People ask me questions all the time, because they know that I’m not going to get offended, or they’re just trying to understand things from a different perspective.” Henry said. “I enjoy helping to be a voice for the members of the LGBTQ+ community, whether they’re in the group, working at IU Health, or outside of work.”
Meet the new leaders of the ISR LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
As the affinity group has grown, as has the need for leadership. Henry is co-chair with two fellow team members—Shawn Hinton-Clark, a Revenue Cycle Services specialist at the IU Health Joe & Shelley Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel, and Ashlee White, manager of Clinical Operations for IU Health North’s Pediatric unit, Pediatric Intensive Care unit (ICU) and Neonatal ICU.
For Hinton-Clark, discussions on the LBGTQ+ community, pronouns and labels weren’t always the norm. But as her children grew up, that changed.
She recalled one afternoon when her daughter came home from school in tears.
“She was like, ‘I don’t know what my label is,’ and we went through the whole conversation,” Hinton-Clark said.” I said, ‘I don’t care how you label yourself. Stay in school, love who you love. As long you’re respectful, you’re good with me.’”
Later, her daughters brought home friends who identified as LGBTQ+, but their parents weren’t accepting of it. Hinton-Clark’s house had become the “safe house,” and anyone was welcome. As the years went on, she went to Pride Fest with her daughter and joined local LGBTQ+ groups.
Now, Hinton-Clark is hoping to bring that same support system to her fellow team members.
“I wanted to be a voice and to better educate myself—not only with events during Pride Month, but also how to interact with my co-workers and to better understand the things they go through,” Hinton-Clark said.
Shawn Hinton-Clark, a Revenue Cycle Services specialist at the IU Health Joe & Shelley Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel
White joined the group two years ago for similar reasons. She wanted to be an ally, not only for her fellow team members, but to be an advocate as a nursing leader for young patients and LGBTQ+ couples looking at parenthood journeys.
“We see lots of teenagers and we have a lot of mental health issues in the community right now. A lot of them stem from sexual identity, and the struggles that they have at school or at home or with their peers,” White said. “I wanted to be that voice for them and also be able to learn from the group about how we can better support them as a healthcare team.”
Ashlee White, manager of Clinical Operations for IU Health North’s Pediatric unit, Pediatric Intensive Care unit (ICU) and Neonatal ICU
Creating a support system for team members
So far, the group has been focusing on the region’s upcoming pride parades and growing the group’s numbers.
As the leaders get more settled into their leadership roles, they want to hear from the group’s members (and potential members) about what activities and events they’d like to see in the future—with an emphasis on creating as support system and educational opportunities.
For Henry, Pride Month is a time to reflect on the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan and how far the LGBTQ+ community has come.
She knows that groups like this are essential in helping team members feel supported. And from her own experience and the experiences of so many others, she knows coming out can be a nerve-wracking situation.
“I think it’s important that we come together, stand up for what we believe in and help continue to show our support,” Henry said. “I always want people to feel like they can be their true, authentic self. A lot of people are scared to come out and they just need to be supported.”
White and Hinton-Clark also want team members and patients to know their support isn’t only for the month of June.
“It’s a month to celebrate them being able to be who they are. And then hopefully, parents and families are more accepting, and then maybe kids are able to share who they are,” White said. “I hope that that it will help them be a little more comfortable. Maybe someone will be brave enough to share their story when they hadn’t been in the past.”
“Pride Month shows how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. It’s a time to reflect and say, ‘I can actually get out there and do something.’ I can show my neighbors, children and team members I’m here if they need support. Educate me. Help me help you,” Hinton-Clark said.
Come inside the operating room with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jacob Triplet as he performs a surgery called reverse total shoulder replacement.
“There are two types of total shoulder replacements. There’s anatomic total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement. With an anatomic replacement the anatomy [of the ball and socket] ends up looking just like the normal anatomy. For this to be an option the rotator cuffs have to be functioning properly. If those are not working, as in this case, then [with the reverse total shoulder replacement] we switch the ball and the socket orientation. What used to be the ball will now become the plastic socket and what used to be the socket will now be a metal ball. This ultimately functions by relying on the big muscle on the outside of the shoulder called the deltoid muscle, and that accommodates any type of rotator cuff deficiency.”
<p><em><strong>One patient finds peace in her healing through music.</strong></em><br></p>
<p><em>By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org</em></p>
<p>On a recent weekday there was a little reunion of sorts in a room at IU Health University Hospital. There were hugs, squeals of joy, and lots of questions and catching up. </p>
<p>Alyssa Bridgewater first became a patient of IU Health when she was admitted to Riley Hospital in January 2020. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia (ALL), a type of cancer of the blood marrow. </p>
<p>That initial hospitalization lasted for 300 days. To help pass the time and calm her anxiety, Bridgewater took part in music therapy. Riley Hospital and University Hospital music therapists are part of a clinical team that helps patients accomplish individual goals, such as reducing stress, and improving overall mood and well-being. Music therapy is often used during other therapies such as physical, occupational, yoga, and art. </p>
<p>Through initial treatment and a stem cell transplant, Bridgewater looked forward to spending time with Riley Hospital music therapist, Caitlin Krater. </p>
<p>“Music therapy lifted my soul and helped distract me from pain. Caitlin helped give me an outlet, something to live for and fight for so I wouldn’t give up on life,” said Bridgewater, 30. Music has been a focus throughout her life – something familiar. She once sang “Ava Maria” at a wedding, was a church cantor, and performed, Sally DeFord’s “Shards of Glass” for her high school senior project. </p>
<p>While she was hospitalized at Riley, Bridgewater’s grandmother died of complications of cancer. </p>
<p>“I knew I couldn’t go to the funeral and I was so sad. Caitlin helped me make a music video. I told her we needed to do it in two days and we did it in two days,” said Bridgewater. Her grandmother was able to see the video before she died and it was later played at her funeral. </p>
<p>“It gave me a sense of peace to know my voice was heard,” said Bridgewater. She grew up in Atlanta, Ind., was homeschooled and received a Bachelor’s degree in educational studies. </p>
<p>As she recently reunited with Krater, the two talked quickly asking: “What have you been up to?” “How are you feeling?”</p>
<p>Bridgewater has been up to a lot. She wrote a book, “Grandpa’s Answered Prayer” about a child who was hesitant to go to school and her grandfather prayed for her. She is cautious about her compromised immune system and stays involved with support groups virtually. She enjoys arts and crafts, making homemade cards, taking walks and of course, music. She was gifted a ukulele when she left Riley and has fine-tuned her talent. </p>
<p>During her stay at IU Health University Hospital, music therapist Adam Perry, invited Krater to walk across campus and join him for music therapy with Bridgewater. There was an energy in the room that trickled into the hallway as Bridgewater played ukulele and sang along in an impromptu jam session. Perry played guitar and Krater joined on drums. </p>
<p>“This a beautiful, happy day,” said Bridgewater. “I’m so thankful, just so thankful.” </p>
Today’s surprise compliment goes to Leslie Clarke, a nurse navigator with the breast surgery team at the IU Health Joe and Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center. “Leslie advocates and sacrifices for her teammates every day… We see and appreciate her.”
If you’d like to submit an anonymous compliment about a team member, we’d be happy to surprise them by sharing that note while capturing their reaction. Please reach out at SocialMedia@IUHealth.org
The worldwide pandemic has shown how vulnerable healthcare facilities around the globe are. The advancement of technologies coupled with innovative discoveries are factors leading toward patient empowerment. And it is fundamentally impacting how healthcare professionals prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases.
What are the factors responsible for impacting the future of health in the US?
The United States has the most complex healthcare system across the globe and it only allows a gradual change. Several factors are involved in health infrastructure modernization. Slow-changing policies are significant aspects but environmental as well as technological attributes also contribute to the improvisation of the healthcare sector. Trends in diseases and healthcare professional demographics also contribute to changing the overall healthcare system.
How is change looming large in the healthcare system of the US?
Although various healthcare reforms have been proposed, accomplishing all of them is still a far cry. Let’s see how the different areas are gradually influenced by positive change.
Health insurance: Selecting the right healthcare plan shows the complexity of health insurance plans in the United States. The government is scheming to offer better health insurance coverage to one and all without many inconsistent variables.
Evolving technology: The fast adoption of advanced analytics and healthcare data solutions are leading innovations in arenas like revenue cycle management, mass health management, and the involvement of patients.
Pharmacy services: In the last few years, pharmacy services have undergone major changes and incorporated new models of patient engagement along with new digital pharmacy models. Pharmacy expense is likely to rise and more hospital-owned specialty pharmacies are expanding participation.
More room for diversification: Healthcare players in the US market are reviewing their business scope to adjust to the increasing needs and creating more opportunities for monetizing capabilities. Other players in the healthcare system like hospice services and home health are entering more sophisticated treatment plans for at-home patients.
Data-gathering businesses are likely to be built around the ability to define the algorithms to empower the future of health regulations. These organizations will be working on conducting research, developing analytical tools, and generating data insights to go beyond human abilities. Moreover, the new world of healthcare in the US will require infrastructure to serve people in real time. Platform infrastructure developers will pave the way for connecting consumers and healthcare stakeholders to improve the transformative potential in the medical field. The future of health is working to cater to everyone since all deserve compassionate care and cutting-edge technology in times of crisis.
Final words
The human race has touched a turning point in its journey to preserve and enhance the quality of life. The United States is at the forefront of these continuous advances and the people are in a position to vision one another as an important part of the interconnected ecosystem. Even though healthcare facilities are under increasing strain, the infrastructure has improved in numerous ways as the country is gearing for meeting the demands of resource-demanding and complicated health problems.
