Hospital highlights

Emergency Medical Services week is May 19-25 with the theme of One Mission, One Team. For always putting others first, and at times risking their own safety, be sure to thank our emergency responders for all they do for our community. They are vital first responders and a critical part of our trauma system.

The focus of Trauma Awareness month this year is on distracted driving. Despite the amount of information regarding this topic, fatalities and serious injuries from distracted driving are on the rise. People who use cell phones are four times more likely to end up in a crash while texting increase a driver’s risk 23 times!

Other distracted driving can be GPS, radio, conversations, eating snacking, reading or writing, shaving, makeup application and dogs or other pets in the vehicle.

In Washington, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless you are using a hands-free device. Texting is prohibited. There are some exceptions for emergency responders and for-hire operators only. These are primary offenses which means an officer doesn’t need to see any other violations to stop and cite a driver.