24 October 2005
Treating trauma goal of health advisors to Governor
Sebelius appoints health professionals to Trauma Advisory Committee
Serious trauma, whether from an accident or other cause, is often life threatening. To help improve the statewide response to trauma-causing incidents, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed seven dedicated health professionals to the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma.
“It is critical our health professionals are well prepared to respond to trauma-causing accidents when they occur,” Gov. Sebelius said. “These professionals are working to create a healthy Kansas by ensuring first-rate trauma care throughout our state.”
The Advisory Committee on Trauma advises the Secretary of Health and Environment on the development and implementation of a statewide trauma system. Kristine Hill and Robert Prewitt were appointed as new members to the committee. Hill will serve a four-year term while Prewitt will fulfill an unexpired four-year term. Elaine Becker, Craig Concannon, Cathy Heikes, Leanne Irsik, and Pamela C. Kemp were reappointed to the board and each will serve a four-year term.
Hill, Peck, is the director of the trauma program for Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita. She is a member of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County Emergency Services Trauma Subcommittee. Hill has been with Via Christi Regional Medical Center since 1990, serving in various capacities including clinical director of surgical intensive care and patient care supervisor of surgical intensive care.
Prewitt, Garden City, organized the first paramedic level ambulance service west of Hutchinson, Kansas. He has worked for more than 35 years as a paramedic and EMT, and has been an all-levels instructor-coordinator for the State of Kansas. He has training in nuclear planning emergency management, radiation emergencies and emergency preparedness planning.
Becker, Centralia, is the hospital nursing executive at Community Hospital Onaga. She has worked at the hospital since 1976, serving as facility director, director of nursing, patient care coordinator and a staff nurse. She has been a member of the executive committee of the Northeast Regional Trauma Council.
Dr. Concanon, Beloit, is a medical doctor at Beloit Medical Center, P.A. Practicing medicine since 1984, he has served in numerous capacities at Mitchell County Hospital, including as chief of staff. He has been a member of the Advisory Committee on Trauma since 1999, and in 2002 was appointed to the Kansas Bioterrorism Coordinating Council.
Heikes, Dodge City, is a flight nurse and paramedic for Ballard Aviation EagleMed of Wichita, based out of Dodge City. In addition, she is a staff registered nurse at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. A member of the South West Regional Trauma Counsel, Heikes received the LifePoint Mercy Award for Western Plains Medical Complex in 2002.
Irsik, Garden City, is the senior vice president for St. Catherine Hospital. She has spent thirty years as a nurse, beginning at St. Catherine Hospital in 1975. She also was a mental health nurse for three years with the United States Air Force, earning the rank of captain. She is currently a member of the Kansas Organization of Nurse Leaders, in which she served as president in 1998 and as a member of the Commission on Legislation and Public Advocacy in 2001.
Kemp, Clay Center, is currently in her 20th year serving as the EMS director for Clay County. She has been a member of the department for 25 years. Kemp is a member of the Kansas Rural Health Options EMS Integration Committee and is an American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Instructor.
