1985 [PDF] - Yosemite

Medical/Dental Servicesin Yosemiteb. Dislocations (such as shoulders and fingers)c. Lacerationsd. Sprains and strains of joints, muscles and tendonse. Significant head injury, such as concussionf. Controlled but continuous bleeding, such as from theBy Gary M. Flashner, M.D.nose or the bowels.All communities require certain services to function - food, fuel, 3. True emergencies that require immediate medical care suchmodes of transportation, means of exchange, and appropriate" as:health care services. This article will serve as a review of the a. Heart attackshealth care services available in the Park, along with those that b. Strokescan only be obtained outside of Yosemite.c. Severe asthma attacksThe Yosemite Medical and Dental Clinic is the center for these d. Broken bones with associated open woundsservices in the Park. Only two other National Parks in the United e. Serious single or multiple injuries, such as those seenStates (Yellowstone and Grand Canyon) have formal facilities for with automobile/motorcycle accidents or climbing falls,medical care. The Yosemite Clinic is located along the main road The staff at the Clinic must always be prepared to deal withbetween the Ahwahnee Hotel and the Village Store. There are the urgent problems and true emergencies at the same time thatthree different entrances into the building -- (1) a front entrance we are providing ongoing care in a family practice setting. Forinto the Dental Clinic, (2) a front entrance into the Medical Clinic this season, all the nursing staff have qualifications and prior ex.(open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and (3) a rear entrance to the Medical perience working in hospital intensive care units and/or emergencyrooms. Our nursing department includes JoAnne Weston (de-Clinic for emergency visits during after-hours (6 p.m. to 8 a.m.daily, weekends and holidays), and for ambulancentrance at partment director), Dianne Puto, Jane Newman, Wanda Starnes,any time.Cathy Sheehe, Karrie Godor, Kate Lappin, Kathy Edwards, andThe staff of the Medical Clinic consists of 3 physicians (a fourth Pat Borden. In addition to providing the nursing services necessaryin our daily outpatient care, this department can also pro-if hired during the busy summer season), 9 nursing staff, 2 individualsin charge of technical services and coordination of clinic vide round-the-clock care for the small number of patients whoactivities, and 3 people in charge of business office activities. The must be kept in one of the "holding rooms" either overnight orClinic is not an extension or branch of the Curry Company or the until that patient can be transported. In addition to these responsibilities,the department performs extensive support functionsNational Park Service, and all functions are directed by the Chiefof Staff, Dr. James Wurgler. He is accompanied by Dr. William without which the Clinic could not function. These include careBowie and Dr. Gary Flashner who, with the help of the Clinic staff, and maintenance of surgical equipment, appointment scheduling,the Park emergency medical system, and the staff of Yosemite ordering and receiving of medications and supplies, filling of allSearch and Rescue, provide medical care 24 hours a day, 7 days prescriptions, and after-hours/weekend handling of billing alonga week.with o~casional participation in ground ambulance and helicopterThe physicians at the Clinic are all Board certified in Family transfers of patients to hospitals in Fresno, Merced or Modesto.Medicine by the American Board of Family Physicians and all have The technical staff at the Clinic includes Chris Becker and DebbieWise. Their responsibilities include operation and maintenanceextensive experience in dealing with true medical and surgicalemergencies. These skills are absolutely essential in providing of all laboratory, X-ray, and electrocardiographic equipment. Chrisgood health care in Yosemite because these specific types of also handles the responsibilities as Clinic Coordinator which involvescommunications and coordination of efforts between theproblems are presented to the Clinic.1. Common problems of family medicine and preventive medicinesuch as:in research and development of computer applications for our labdifferent departments of the Clinic. He has also been instrumentala. Diagnosis of pregnancy and initial prenatal care and business office. Technical services are provided 24 hoursb. Well-baby care and immunizationsa day, 7 days a week, and Chris and’ Debbie generally makec. Routine PAP smears recommended once a year for allthemselves available for 3 days (72 hours) at a time.womenThe Clinic business office staff includes Lois Smith, Kathyd. Health instruction on weight control and exercise Kniereman, and Anne Marie Arrigo, They handle all responsibilitiesinvolving the day-to-day finances of the Clinic, managemente. Complete physical exams including those that might berequired for insurance policies, team sports, new jobs, of medical records, and handling of correspondence to patients,or for the updating of personal medical status other physicians, etc. In addition, Lois Smith is a licensed physicalf. Ongoing management and control of common chronic therapist and is in charge of our physical therapy department,health problemsuch as diabetes, high blood pressure, Kathy Kniereman is in charge of all Clinic statistics, and Anneheart disease (such as heart failure and abnormal heart Marie Arrigo handles all of our word processing needs.rhythms), thyroid and other hormonal diseases, epilepsy, We are sometimes asked about services that we do not routinelyhandle. These include detailed allergy testing (we DO administerulcer disease, arthritis, kidney problems, etc.2. Urgent problems that require treatment on the same day allergy shots for individuals who have been prescribed by anthat the problem develops such as:allergist), delivering babies, and complete in-patient care as woulda. Simple, closed fracturescontinued on next page