A Bird’s Eye View – by Marge McCoy, R.Ph.

Have you ever seen the San Juan Islands from the air? They really are beautiful. It’s almost like flying around in a postcard. I recently took in the panorama from an Airlift NW helicopter. It probably would be more relaxing to view it from an airplane, but if you are in the middle of an emergency, Airlift NW is the way to go.

How did I find myself strapped to a gurney en route to St. Joe’s in a helicopter? The onset of sudden, very sharp chest pains one July Sunday morning earned me a 911 visit, a call to Dr. Bob and a quick flight to Bellingham. I’m lucky and doing fine. My heart is in good shape, but I began mentally writing this article while I was lying in the Cardiac Care Unit that Sunday night. (Aren’t you impressed with my dedication? Actually, my mind is just like a toddler, doing better if it is kept occupied and not allowed to wander unattended! I have to give it “jobs” to do.)

Let’s begin with the obvious: We have incredible emergency responders on Lopez. Paramedics, Marty and Chris, are very skilled, caring people. We are in the best of hands in an emergency. The same is true of our EMTs – folks who give their time and talents to help out neighbors and visitors. Two more spokes in the emergency care wheel, Dr. Bob and nurse practitioner, Cathy, stand ready to help for those of us having our “little problems” outside of clinic hours. I send thanks to them all. Please take a moment to thank them for what they stand ready to do.

The rest of my experience was also very reassuring. My Airlift NW nurses and pilot possessed the wonderful ability to be quick, thorough, and reassuring all at the same time. And I found the same qualities in the ER and Cardiac Care Unit staff at St. Joe’s. Top to bottom, start to finish, I was in very capable hands.

But I wish to do more than reassure you that our emergency care is superior. I’d like to stress the importance of using it. Part of my brain (the part in denial) wanted to ignore the potential warning signs, let it pass and not cause a fuss. The realistic part of my brain asked, “What would you advise all of your patients to do?” and quickly added, “DON”T BE STUPID! You’d be dialing 911 if someone walked into the pharmacy with these symptoms.” The warning signs of a heart attack can be very different in women and far more subtle. Marty was quick to assure me that I had made the correct choice. So my message is: If you have doubts; if you think you might be having a heart attack – let the experts decide. Dial 911.

The next part of my bulletin is easy: Buy AirCare, the Airlift NW flight insurance. It is one of the best investments you can make in your own healthcare. No one expects to use it, I certainly didn’t, but it’s a blessing to have. We have forms at the pharmacy; stop in and we’ll give you one, or you can sign up on-line at www.airliftnw.org.

Last, I’d like to promote the Vial of Life program. In an emergency you might be unable (unconscious, incoherent, stressed) to give a thorough accounting of your allergies, medical conditions, medications, etc. The Vial of Life program consists of a vial (empty pill bottle, small bag or other receptacle), labeled with a Vial of Life sticker, containing a medical form (pre-printed from the program) filled with your pertinent medical information. The specially labeled vial is placed inside the refrigerator (usually in the door) or the labeled bag is taped to the outside of the refrigerator door. A weather–resistant sticker is placed on the front door or window of the home so that responding emergency personnel will be alerted to look for the Vial. This is a good idea for everyone. During my recent emergency, I forgot to list one of my drug allergies. It didn’t dawn on me until after I’d been in the hospital ER for a couple of hours. Duh – it’s not like this isn’t my line of work or anything. I didn’t think I’d ever forget something like that. The Vial of Life would have saved me from having to remember everything. Vial of Life stickers are available at the pharmacy. We can assist in filling out your forms if you need help.

Here are the Cliff’s Notes on my article:

1. Hug your emergency responders. OK, if you/they aren’t into hugging, thank them or buy them a latte. Just let them know you are grateful.

2. Possible heart attack? Don’t second-guess; dial 911.

3. Buy AirCare, Airlift NW flight insurance. Forms are available at the Pharmacy.

4. Use the Vial of Life. Stickers & forms are available at the Pharmacy.

5. Reading between the lines: Be glad you live on Lopez. I am!