Employee of the Quarter: Ariane Williams
To receive this distinguished award we look for an employee who goes above and beyond their job requirements. Someone who is always looking for a way to better themselves, the people around them, and this company. This individual has done just that.
We would like to congratulate Ariane Williams on being the employee of the quarter. She is and RN and the Charge Nurse for GTEC Port Arthur. Her job entails: quality patient care, medication administration, diagnostic testing, clinical coordinator, schedule creation and maintenance, staff liaison to the clinical director, and team lead. She has been with the company for 3 ½ years and was promoted to the position as charge nurse in March of 2018. She goes above and beyond for this company to make other employees and patients happy and taken care of to her best ability. She has created a special menus for our patients with diabetic and cardiac restrictions and continues to find ways to improve Golden Triangle Emergency Center.
Ariane is a mom of one beautiful little girl named Penelope. She loves to drink wine, do embroidery, yoga, and watch horror movies. She has one cat named Waffle and a dog named Pearl. She graduated from Nederland High School and went on to Lamar Orange for her LVN and ADN and then to Lamar Beaumont for her BSN. Ariane loves to be outside and travel as well as decorate her body in beautiful pieces of art.
Upon receiving this award, the employee will receive a certificate of recognition, their picture hung on the “Wall of Fame”, their own parking space for 90 days, 12 hours of paid time off, and their name is considered for employee of the year. Congratulations again Ariane!
The Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide
The holidays are here, but they’re not just bringing gifts. It happens every year. With the advent of Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve comes the infamous cold and flu season. Kids are sneezing, parents are coughing, and the risk of inconvenient illnesses seems to lurk around every corner.
There’s no reason to fear, though! Golden Triangle Emergency Center is here to help with what we call the Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide. These tips and tricks will help your whole family stay healthy and happy during the holidays. From washing your hands properly to eating the right foods, this crash course will show you how to lower your risks of getting sick as well as how to shake off a cold faster.
Stop Spreading Germs!
The first step to getting through the Cold & Flu Season in tip top shape is, of course, to never get sick. This can be a lofty goal for many families, since contagious germs seem to be everywhere. Kids who go to school, daycare, or afterschool activities are exposed to their classmates’ germs and parents who work in large offices might be at risk from their co-workers. Adding in the everyday exposure we all get when going to the grocery store, taking a walk, or dropping by a friend’s holiday party, and there are more ways to spread a cold than we can count.
But this doesn’t mean you have to be part of the problem. Decreasing how many germs you spread and pick up every day can be simple with two easy routines:
- Wash Your Hands: being diligent about washing your hands before you eat and after you use the restroom can be instrumental and lowering your risk of catching a cold or contracting the flu. Washing your hands regularly will stop any germs you might come in contact with throughout the day from making it to your mouth or eyes when you eat, scratch an itch, rub your face, or during personal grooming. This makes it harder for viruses to infect you and your family, thus making your risk of getting ill much lower.
- Cover Your Coughs & Sneezes: No matter if you’re actually sick or if your nose just got irritated for one moment, sneezing or coughing around others is not only rude, it can be a health risk. Every time we sneeze or cough, some of our mucus will spray into the air, which makes it highly effective in breeding and transferring new viruses. Colds and the flu are spread by sneezing and coughing, so even if you don’t feel sick, it is important to practice covering your coughs. Teach your children to look for tissues when they’re going to sneeze, or if there are no tissues available, you can teach them to cough or sneeze into the crook of their bent elbow. Using your elbow to cover up is more effective, and more sanitary, than using your hands because it stifles the cough more effectively and it keeps your hands clean and safe.
Some people also like to carry hand sanitizer with them during this time of year, just in case, and this can be helpful as well. However, nothing is quite as effective at limiting illness than clean hands and covered coughs.
Get Vaccinated!
To get through the flu half of the Cold & Flu Season unscathed, there is no better way than to get your annual flu shot. Many families have already gotten vaccinated for the year, but some have not. Even though it is December, it is never too late to get your flu vaccine, and anyone who might be worried about getting sick should talk with their doctor right away about getting a flu shot.
After last year’s news worthy flu season, some families might also be worried about whether or not the flu shot is effective. While scientists agree that the 2017-2018 flu was a different strain than they anticipated, this year’s research has only made the flu shot more effective. The flu shot can not only prevent you from getting sick with the flu at all, but in cases where patients who have been vaccinated do get the flu, the shot makes their symptoms less severe and helps the to recover much faster.
Remember, the flu season lasts through January and February as well, so make sure you’re prepared for it.
Eating (and Drinking) Right!
A nourished body is a strong body, so making sure your family stays healthy during the holidays isn’t just about avoiding contagious germs. It comes down to how you fuel your body, and the vitamins you get. Multivitamins and immune boosters might help for some people, but no matter what kind of daily supplements you get, nothing is effective as getting your nutrients through the foods you eat and the things you drink.
- Staying hydrated is incredibly important. While many people prefer hot drinks during the winter season, getting daily water is vital to maintaining a healthy body and fighting off colds and the flu. Drink water and all-natural fruit juice, orange juice is a favorite, to keep your vitamin C up.
- Avoid excessive sugars and preservatives. The holidays are a time for lots of home baking and holiday cheer but be careful with how much you’re indulging at holiday celebrations. Limit your family’s extra desserts and try to avoid eating too many processed foods that have extra preservatives and additives in them.
- Eat vegetables every day. This is something many parents try to encourage in their children, but it can be difficult to eat fruits and veggies sometimes. If your children refuse to eat vegetables, then try making new homemade soups with lots of vegetables boiled in the stock. This way, even if your kids pick around the veggies themselves, the broth they drink up will have many of the vitamins and nutrients from the vegetables already in it.
Making sure your body is nourished is important to prevent colds and the flu, but if someone you love has fallen ill, then it is even more important to keep them hydrated and well fed. Even if you feel a tiny tickle in the back of your throat, drink extra water and cut back on the dessert. Your body will only get stronger if you give it the best.
Getting through the Cold & Flu Season can be challenging sometimes. Some years, it might be a breeze, while others might make you feel like it is impossible not to get sick. By following these simple guidelines, you can give yourself a fighting chance at getting through the holidays without falling ill. If someone in your family does get sick, though, then don’t worry! Golden Triangle Emergency Center is here for you. Our facilities are open 24/7, even on holidays, with concierge-level care for all ages.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
All About Prediabetes
As the season of giving begins, every family is planning out this year’s special traditions. From carving turkeys to holiday cookies, many of us are planning festive meals that taste delicious. Something we might not be thinking about is how it can become worrisome if your family has a history of Diabetes.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center understands these concerns, and in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, we want to discuss Prediabetes, and how this condition can influence your health and holiday planning.
What is Prediabetes?
Many of us have heard of Diabetes, and so many families are familiar with the dietary limitations it comes with. But what about Prediabetes? This condition occurs when someone’s blood sugar is very high, but not yet high enough to constitute Type 2 Diabetes. Prediabetes also means that someone’s body cells are not responding to insulin the way they normally should.
Prediabetes does not mean that someone is guaranteed to get Diabetes, rather it is a warning that can help at-risk patients take preventative measures to keep it from developing into a more severe condition. In this way, a Prediabetes diagnosis can be very helpful for many people, but the key is to get it diagnosed as early as possible.
Since Prediabetes does not have symptoms which are easily observed, so it is important for anyone who thinks they might be at risk to talk with a doctor and get tested early.
Risk Factors of Prediabetes
Diabetes and Prediabetes are both conditions which can be prevented, and when patients and their doctors know what to look for, patients can combat their own risks. Look at the following signs of Prediabetes, and consider if you or someone you love might be at risk:
- Being overweight
- Being more than 45 years old
- Family history of Type 2 Diabetes
- Low activity or sedentary lifestyle
- For women: having gestational diabetes during a pregnancy
- For women: having or having a family history of polycystic ovary syndrome
In addition to these factors, families of African-American and Hispanic/Latino descent are also at an increased genetic risk of developing Diabetes and should be more cautious because of this.
These are some of the most common conditions which might indicate an increased risk for Prediabetes, though it usually takes a combination of factors to determine whether you are at risk for developing Diabetes. If you are concerned about your risks, then talk with your doctor about getting a blood test to see if you have Prediabetes and how you can live a healthier life.
Combating Prediabetes
Let’s say that you spoke with your doctor about your risks, and at their suggestion, you got a blood test. Maybe it came back with high blood sugar, indicating Prediabetic symptoms, and you’re now facing a difficult diagnosis. It is never easy to be told that you have a severe condition which could become Diabetes, but Prediabetes is much easier to treat and fight.
If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with Prediabetes, then it is time to make some changes. The CDC says that preventing Type 2 Diabetes, and fighting Prediabetes, can be done with early intervention. Making some of the following changes in your life can help mitigate the symptoms and risks of Prediabetes:
- Losing weight: weight loss does not have to be a drastic or dramatic process. Aiming to lose about 5-10% of your current body weight is a good place to start, and a very achievable goal (for example, if you weight 200lbs, it would mean losing 10-20lbs). This can be achieved through healthier diets and regular physical activity.
- Exercise: Expensive gym memberships or spending hours in work-out classes are not realistic for every household. For people who work long hours or are budgeting around the house, getting exercise can start with simple goals. Schedule 30 minutes of activity five days each week. This can be a brisk walk, jog, or short in-home cardo-routine. Getting your body moving, and especially your heart working, will help your body get stronger and regulate its blood sugar better.
- Eating Right: if your family’s holiday plans involve a lot of heavy casseroles and creamy gravy, then you might want to consider how you can incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your Thanksgiving menu. Those with Prediabetes need to be more away of the sugar they eat and should look into replacement sweeteners to help regulate blood sugar, as well as making lighter version of their holiday favorites. Adjusting family diets can begin small— like replacing sugary sodas with zero calorie flavored soda waters—so your family doesn’t have to feel deprived over the holidays.
- Reduce Stress: Just like with many health conditions, Prediabetes can be made worse by high stress. Evaluate your life and see where you might be overly stressed. Try incorporating more self-care around those stressful tasks, to get better balance in your life and keep your stress levels down.
Working with your family and doctor to combat Prediabetes is important, and with an early diagnosis, it can be done.
Prediabetes does not mean someone will get Type 2 Diabetes. It is a severe health condition, but one that can be fought with the advice and recommendations from your private doctor. Golden Triangle Emergency Center encourages anyone who thinks they are at risk for Prediabetes to talk to their doctor now and get your diagnosis early.
You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
As family members get older, you might begin to notice changes in them. Maybe they can’t exercise like they used to, or their eyesight begins to fade. From hearing loss to arthritis, we expect to see many changes in our aging parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, but what about memory loss?
It is a worry we can all relate to. When an elderly person we know forgets the date or can’t remember the name of someone important, one of the first fears might be Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease affects more than 50 million people worldwide. It is a serious disease that can be affected by a variety of different health factors, and still has no known cure. It is a condition that the Alzheimer’s Association works to combat, through medical research and programs to provide support and aid for families in need. But if your family has never experienced Alzheimer’s Disease before, how do you know if someone you love might be affected?
Golden Triangle Emergency Center, in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, wants to discuss some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Confusion & Memory Loss
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know when someone is experiencing a moment of distraction or a moment of real memory loss. We all get busy, and sometimes stress can contribute to someone’s inability to recall important dates or small tasks that they were supposed to attend to that week. If you’re worried about Alzheimer’s, then keep track of what things get forgotten and what the circumstances might be for it.
If forgetting simple facts and tasks begins to interfere with their ability to function throughout the day, it is time to consult with a doctor. The kind of forgetfulness which can be most concerning are:
- Being unable to retrace their steps through a grocery store, house, or other familiar places.
- Being unable to recall what tasks they did that day.
- Misplacing common household items.
- Frequent confusion with time, date, and place.
- Forgetting names and words frequently.
While these symptoms are not always a product of Alzheimer’s Disease, they can be some of the most noticeable signs that something isn’t right. Pay attention to moments of forgetfulness in those you love and seek medical advice if it begins to interfere with daily life.
Challenges with Problem Solving & Vocabulary
Another common sign of possible Alzheimer’s Disease is when someone struggles with problem solving. This can be as small as being unsure how to schedule their week or being unable to follow a set schedule. Sometimes it can manifest on a larger scale, and someone who is usually intellectual will be noticeably challenged to remember which words they want to use or how to express their thoughts properly.
For those with family members who like to do sudoku, cross-words, or other similar puzzle-oriented games, it can be easy to see when they might be struggling with problem-solving. But in others, it might be harder to notice. If a normally organized member of your family begins to grow disorganized and frantic, you should talk with them about seeing a doctor.
Mood Changes & Social Withdrawal
Given that Alzheimer’s is a disease which affects someone’s mind, it is common to notice gradual mood and behavioral changes in someone who has it. While these changes might be gradual at first, they can often come in tandem with other symptoms. Frustration at being unable to recall something or withdrawing from social plans when someone cannot remember the schedule are some examples of how mood changes can manifest in early Alzheimer’s patients.
Changing moods can also make it difficult to talk to your family member about the possibility of Alzheimer’s. If you are concerned about their risks, but your loved one is resistant to seeking testing, then try talking with other family members. Get a support system rallied and ready to help. With emotional support, it is easier to encourage someone to get tested early than if you try to insist too strongly.
Doctors all agree that one of the most important factors in treating Alzheimer’s Disease is getting an early diagnosis. While this condition has no known cure, it can be treated with the help of medical professionals. The earlier symptoms are spotted and diagnosed, the easier it is to intervene early. This means that it is important to talk about the risk of Alzheimer’s with your family, even before anyone has any symptoms. Dismissing forgotten names and dates as “just getting older” can be detrimental for many Alzheimer’s patients. It is always better to get a professional, medical opinion.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center supports all families in our community and encourages them to watch out for symptoms and get tested early for Alzheimer’s Disease. This disease can be intimidating for many, but with help from organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, many patients can get the support and treatment they need to live long, fulfilling lives.
You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
GTEC Awards Joanne Tapia the Fall 2018 Lamar State College Port Arthur RN Scholarship
Golden Triangle Emergency Center is happy to support the next generation of top-tier medical professionals. Each semester we award scholarships to nursing students who display a drive, commitment and dedication to the nursing profession. In order to be eligible for our Lamar State College Lamar State College Port Arthur RN Scholarship applicants had to write an 800-word essay describing why they want to become RNs, their plans for the future, and why they feel they should be considered for the award. Additionally, applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and be enrolled full time in the program.
GTEC is delighted to announce that we have selected Joanne Tapia as the fall 2018 winner of our Lamar State College Lamar State College – Port Arthur RN Scholarship.
Joanne Tapia was awarded a $500 scholarship from Golden Triangle Emergency Center’s Port Arthur facility on Tuesday, October 30th. Joanne realized her calling in nursing as a result of her mother’s battle with epigastric cancer. Joanne was by her mother’s side throughout the ordeal and it fell to her to translate the doctors’ and nurses’ words into her mother’s native language. This in turn helped her realized the need for bilingual nurses.
“By being a nurse, I knew I was not just going to help her but many more people who needed care, reassurance or guidance. Unfortunately, my mother passed away in the year of 2014, due to epigastric cancer, although it was heartbreaking for me I decided to continue pursuing my career in nursing for her and my community.”
We laud Joanne’s dedication and we also want to note that this is her second time applying for the scholarship, thus further demonstrating her dedication to achieve her goals. She wants to let everyone who applies know not to give up if they aren’t selected for a scholarship the first time because they might have more success the next time! We are please to award Joanne this $500 RN scholarship and are excited to see what the future holds for her.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center’s goal is always to provide the resources, including health information our community needs to stay safe and healthy. However, when sickness or injuries do strike, Golden Triangle Emergency Center is there 24/7, 365 days a year with gold standard in emergency and industrial care.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
GTEC Announces the Fall Winners of the Lamar State College Orange Nursing Scholarships
Golden Triangle Emergency Center is pleased to support the next wave of skilled nursing professionals by providing four scholarships yearly to students at Lamar State College Orange who are enrolled full time in a Registered Nursing (RN) Program or a Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Program and who meet all the requirements of our scholarship program including a 3.0 or higher GPA and an 800-word essay describing why the applicant has chosen nursing as their career, their future plans after graduation, and why they feel they should be awarded the scholarship.
Today we are happy to announce the fall 2018 winners: Darlene Kunze and Kerstin Richard.
Darlene Kunze Is GTEC’s 2018 Fall Semester LVN Scholarship Recipient from Lamar State College -Orange
Darlene Kunze was awarded a $250 scholarship from Golden Triangle Emergency Center’s Orange facility on Friday, October 19th. Darlene been a Certified Medical Assistant and five years ago began taking classes to advance to the next stage of her career and become an LVN. She is raising her two grandchildren, Jordan 10 and Shayla 14, and notes that they provide the inspiration for everything she does. Darlene has also overcome addiction and has eleven years of sobriety. She models this positive transformation to her adult daughter who is also working to turn her life around.
“Daily I continue to show my daughter that anything is possible with dedication and really hard work. She has made 7 months clean and sober by the grace of God and there is hope for her still. I first began a career in the medical field not knowing that I would even have an opportunity to make my dream come true. As the years went by I have continued to pick up more skills, and knowledge and confidence.”
We are very impressed by all that Darlene has achieved and we are confident that she has a bright future ahead of her as an LVN and are delighted to award her a $250 scholarship.
Kerstin Richard Is GTEC’s 2018 Fall Semester RN Scholarship Recipient from Lamar State College -Orange
Kerstin Richard was awarded a $500 scholarship from Golden Triangle Emergency Center’s Orange facility on Monday, October 21st. Kerstin became a Certified Nursing Assistant in 2014 upon graduating high school and immediately enrolled in the LVN program at Lamar State College – Orange, which she completed in 2016. Now an LVN she is attending classes to become an RN. She worked as an LVN at a nursing home until Hurricane Harvey damaged the facility. Kerstin stayed onsite until all her patients were rescued and safe.
“I stayed at the facility for four nights and five days. Those were the longest days of my life, but I was glad I was able to help my patients and keep them safe. That was definitely a nightmare I will never forget.”
Meanwhile, Kerstin was also facing flooding at her home. Through it all Kerstin persevered and soon found a new job at a cardiologist’s office. We are pleased to assist her on the next leg of her journey with a $500 scholarship.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center’s goal is always to provide the resources, including health information our community needs to stay safe and healthy. However, when sickness or injuries do strike, Golden Triangle Emergency Center is there 24/7, 365 days a year with gold standard in emergency and industrial care.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Port Arthur Emergency Care
Kim Allen Is GTEC’s Employee of the Quarter
To receive this distinguished award we look for an employee who goes above and beyond their job requirements. Someone who is always looking for a way to better themselves, the people around them and this company. This individual has done just that.
We would like to congratulate Kim Allen on being the employee of the quarter. She is an LVN for GTEC Port Arthur. Her job entails: keeping all rooms cleaned and stocked, running labs, EKG’s, administering medications, starting IV’s, maintaining up to date certifications for her license, following up with patients care, perform standard quality assurance procedures, and maintain a comfortable upscale environment. She has been with the company for one year and has never missed an employee meeting. Kim is always helpful and kind to everyone around her.
Kim is a mom of 3 beautiful children and 8 wonderful grandchildren. She loves the outdoors; hunting, fishing, gardening, and traveling. She has a 3 year old Lab Great Pyrenees mix named Sophia. She graduated from PNG and went on to Lamar and then to Delta to become and LVN. Kim loves to cook southern food and collects old cookbooks.
Upon receiving this award, the employee will receive a certificate of recognition, their picture hung on the “Wall of Fame”, their own parking space for 90 days, 12 hours of paid time off, and their name is considered for employee of the year. Congratulations again Kim Allen!
Golden Triangle Emergency Center sets the Gold Standard in emergency care. GTEC provides concierge-level care to our local communities with state-of-the-art facilities, short wait times, and steadfast commitment to patient care. GTEC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and treats all major and minor health emergencies.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Steps for Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Week is September 9-15, and every year, this week grows more and more important. With statistics reporting that East Texas has the highest suicide rate in the state, many of us wonder why this startling statistic is on the rise. As of 2017, more than twice as many people in Texas die of suicide than homicide every year. This phenomena is something that none of us can ignore, particularly during such an important week for suicide awareness.
Maybe you know someone who suffers from depression, or maybe one of your family members has expressed thoughts of self-harm. In these situations, many people do not know what to do to help if someone they care about expresses suicidal thoughts. Some people try to change the subject, while others worry about saying the wrong thing, but without knowing how to help, it can be easy to make a mistake.
In light of such a serious health concern, Golden Triangle Emergency Center wants to provide everyone in our community with the basic steps to intervene and help when someone expresses suicidal thoughts. Given that this is such a serious issue, we want to also remind anyone who has considered suicide or who is looking for help regarding depression and suicide to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Identifying Suicidal Thoughts
Not everyone who is considering suicide will say so directly, but studies show that many people who are considering suicide do make attempts to reach out. There are behavioral changes that might take place, like giving away their possessions, lack of interest in planning for future events, and unusually risky behavior; and there is often an attempt to reach out for help verbally as well.
While a suicidal person might admit very straight forwardly that they have been thinking about suicide, some will also communicate their feelings by saying things like:
- “I feel trapped.”
- “Nothing I do matters.”
- “You’d be better off without me.”
- “Maybe I just won’t be around anymore.”
When communicating feelings of hopelessness, people can use many different words to express how lost they feel. In these moments, friends and family around them may not know how to react. Some might think it is only a phase, others might try to lighten the mood and cheer someone up by changing the subject, and others might try an overly aggressive response. Knowing exactly what to say can be difficult, but psychological professionals do have a recommended list of things to say and ask to help the situation.
The Right Thing to Say
When faced with someone who is expressing a cry for help, many people might react with a blunt declaration of: “But you have so much to live for!” While this gesture is meant well, it is often not helpful to people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. What is very important to remember for anyone who might be helping a loved one through this difficult time is that a suicidal person feels hopeless. No matter what they might have to look forward to in their life, when someone is considering suicide, they cannot see those things ahead of them. So insisting that they have so much to live for doesn’t help, and can often make those suffering from severe depression feel even worse.
If you have expressed your concern to a loved one who shows signs of severe depression and suicidal thoughts, then the better way to respond is to first and foremost remind them that you are concerned and that they are not alone.
Here are some better ways to express your concern for someone with suicidal thoughts that are more likely to help them feel safe while talking with you:
- “I can see you really struggling, and I want you to know that you’re not alone.”
- “I’m concerned about you, and I want to help. “
- “Thank you for talking with me about this, I really care about you and I want to help.”
The key when talking with anyone about their suicidal feelings is to listen. Those considering suicide are coming from a place of depression and pain and making sure that they are heard and acknowledged is vital to getting them the help they need.
Don’t be Afraid of Questions
It is sometimes assumed that by asking someone if they want to kill themselves, you can somehow inspire them to do it, but that is simply not the case. Anyone who is not suicidal won’t change their mind because you asked them about it. This means that it is okay to ask, if you think that someone close to you might be considering self-harm. Many people who consider it will admit to their intentions when someone approaches them considerately and is willing to listen.
You can even ask them if they have begun to make plans for suicide, such as writing notes or deciding on a method. This can help you to assess how urgent your loved one’s situation might be. If someone has plans in place to commit suicide, then how you react will differ from how you would respond to someone who struggles with depression but is not taking steps to commit suicide.
How to Respond
No matter if someone is having suicidal thoughts or has begun to actually plan for their suicide, the most important thing you can do is to stay with them. It is very important not to leave a suicidal person alone, especially overnight. After talking with them about how they feel and your willingness to help, it is important to stay by their side and help them get professional medical help.
If the person you are helping already sees a therapist or has a doctor they have talked with about their depression before, then offer to help them make an appointment. You can even offer to go with them to their next appointment.
For anyone who does not see a medical professional for their depression, it can be especially good to help them get to their first appointment. Go with them, to make sure they attend, and if your loved one needs you in the session with them, then you can talk with the doctor or counselor about accommodating that.
If the situation is urgent and you think that your loved one is at immediate risk for a suicide attempt, then stay with them and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. There, you will be connected to resources near you and be given professional guidance on how to manage the situation and keep your loved one safe.
As we remember the losses that have come from suicide, Golden Triangle Emergency Center wants to education and provide our community with the tools to support those suffering from depression. By listening thoughtfully, communicating honestly, and helping someone to make an appointment, we can all learn not only how to help someone with suicidal thoughts, but also how to be more compassionate to those we love.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center supports everyone in our communities, and we urge anyone who is suffering from suicidal thoughts to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and get help today. If you are considering suicide, reach out to someone you trust and ask for their help in making you an appointment with a mental health professional.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
GTEC Announces Stop the Bleed Seminars for Area Schools
Few things are as terrifying as being confronted with someone who has suffered a traumatic injury and is experiencing major, life-threatening blood loss. However, while many other elements of first aid such as CPR are relatively widely known, many fewer people know what to do when faced with a medical emergency involving severe bleeding. That’s why Golden Triangle Emergency Center has partnered with the Bleeding Control Organization to conduct “Stop the Bleed” seminars for local area schools.
About the “Stop The Bleed” Seminars
Without life-saving intervention a victim of uncontrolled blood loss can lose consciousness and die within five to ten minutes. Yet this dire outcome can be prevented with simple, proven life-saving strategies. GTEC will be conducting training seminars on these skills at each of our three locations on three separate days for the nurses, administrative staff, and faculties of local area schools.
The first seminar will be held at our Beaumont location on Tuesday, August 21st. The second seminar will be held at our Orange facility on Wednesday, August 22nd, and the third and final seminar will be held at our Port Arthur location on Thursday, August 23rd. Each seminar will begin at 5:30pm and last until 8:30pm.
GTEC – Beaumont
5550 Eastex Freeway (next to Target)
Beaumont, Texas 77708
Phone: 409-892-1000
Tuesday, August 21st; 5:30-8:30pm
GTEC – Orange
3107 Edgar Brown Drive (Burke’s Outlet Center)
Orange, TX 77630
Phone: 409-920-4470
Wednesday, August 22nd; 5:30-8:30pm
GTEC – Port Arthur
8035 Memorial Blvd. (next to Cheddar’s)
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Phone: 409-237-5870
Thursday, August 23rd; 5:30-8:30pm
We understand that these times may not work for every school, but we are committed to ensuring that all schools who wish to participate have the opportunity, so if these dates don’t work for your school please contact us so that we can work something out.
Free Trauma Kits and Trauma Kit Training Will Be Available
Trauma kits are a crucial tool for improving the outcome of medical emergencies involving heavy bleeding. GTEC will be providing training sessions for the nurses, administrative staff, and faculty of schools for how to effectively use these kits. Each school that decides to participate will receive a free trauma kit as a token of our appreciation. School staff who are paramedics, RNs, LVNs, certified athletic trainers, or who have met higher medical qualifications are also eligible to become trainers of the “Stop the Bleed” program and teach it to others.
Golden Triangle Emergency Center’s goal is always to provide the resources, including health information our community needs to stay safe and healthy. However, when sickness or injuries do strike, Golden Triangle Emergency Center is there 24/7, 365 days a year with gold standard in emergency and industrial care.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.