EMS and Public Health

Public Health is a field that simultaneously incorporates art and science by advocating a healthy style of living, discovering innovative ways to prevent health problems, and increasing awareness of public health. After given the task of selecting a location that best symbolizes the sector of public health, it was then decided that an ambulance offered the most comprehensible depiction of the field. An ambulance represents the preservation of life and provides individuals a sense of protection.

Emergency medical services are often at the forefront of treating patients. Ambulances are part of a working machine that coincides with health care providers. These vehicles provide advanced or basic life support that act in prolonging an individual’s life until a physician is present. EMS ensures that communities have trained emergency medical responders who are always available to respond to emergencies. While extensive medical treatment may be given at the hospital, ambulances deliver rapid and proficient treatment. Emergency medical services are an essential part of the public health system.

This particular field of Public Health includes the state licensing of Emergency Medical Technicians and the quality control, disaster readiness and further regulation of competent emergency medical care for all. EMS Public Health specialists ensure a harmonized EMS system that works smoothly to provide fast, emergency care to all citizens. We thought that this was an important aspect of the Public Health World and that it might be overlooked by many because of its association with hospitals, however, ambulances and EMS are extremely important to the well-being of the population.

- Melissa Thammavongsa, Elizabeth Horning, Niharika Yerrapragada

Ambulances in the Emergency Bay at Florida Hospital, Tampa location.

Babies for Public Health!

Babies For Public Health!

      

    Our group chose International Mall’s bathroom in the food court as our location because it is an area that is used frequently by employees and customers. Being a big mall in Tampa, it attracts many different kinds of people and is the perfect example of a place that needs to take public health precautions.

            We decided to put our public health sticker on the baby diaper dispenser. The baby diaper dispenser holds a disposable changing mat, a diaper, wipes, and a little bag to throw it all in before putting in the trash. This is a quick and effective way to make sure that sanitary needs are met for everyone. The diaper is important to contain the baby’s mess to decrease exposure of fecal matter. The wipes are to clean the changing table (and can be used as baby wipes) which prevents Ecoli,

Conjunctivitis and other things from being transmitted by touch. The changing mat protects the baby from possible germs that are present on the changing table, not only to protect the baby from what is on the table but to prevent his/her germs from staying on the table to infect another. The little bag provided for all the unsanitary items that need to be thrown away can prevent exposing more germs or possible feces from being flung around that can spread to walls, doors, or floors on the way to the trash can.

            We feel that this dispenser constitutes public health because everything in it is provided to help decrease the spread of germs. Our public health sticker represents public health in a way that promotes using the tools provided in order to prevent germs being exposed to the baby and from getting people sick in public places. This issue is important because the spreading of any germs in a public area can quickly lead to a large amount of people getting sick. This means a large amount of people going to doctors and the hospital, and is especially dangerous with young babies whose immune systems are not as strong yet. Public health precautions are needed here to keep public places and people free and clean of germs and bacteria.

Our Group: Kara Finney, Lynea Castillo, Jillian Ginnetti, and Cassandra Cole.

motor vehicle safety by: dalia, kyra, marty, mayj and tracy

According to researchers, “motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those ages 5-34 in the U.S.,” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). The CDC also states that more than 2.3 million were treated in emergency departments as the result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009.  For this purpose, our group decided to do a blog on seatbelts. Though motor vehicle safety seems relatively negligible compared to other controversial issues in public health, it is important that people understand the risks involved with not wearing a seatbelt. Seat belts are designed to keep passengers safe.  According to the CDC seat belts reduce the risk of being killed or injured by 50 percent. In addition to the serious health factors associated with not wearing a seatbelt, Florida drivers receive citations for failing to wear seatbelts. Again, this relates to public health because passengers may be more inclined to wear a seatbelt because of the legal consequences. Consequently, this helps prevent the severity of motor vehicle accidents. As public health majors it is important that we bring awareness to the risks involve of not wearing a seatbelt. We chose the Public Health parking lot to showcase our issue. The Public Health parking lot was fitting because many students drive in that area determined to find a parking spot. It is important that a seatbelt is always worn in a vehicle, even if it is right before class!  While holding a seatbelt, we all decided to take a picture to express the simplicity associated with wearing a seatbelt. This simple decision can prevent a casualty and promote positive health. 

Fast Food and Public Health

Most of us can agree that fast food is not the healthiest option available when it comes to eating, but occasionally we all stop in to our favorite fast food restaurant when we are hungry, or in a rush. In 2010, President Obama passed a law that required every major fast food chain and many restaurants to display or inform their customers about the calories and contents in the items on their menus. So, we decided to go to Burger King and see if they had nutritional information posted about their menu items. Turns out they did, but unfortunately the information was hidden in a corner near the bathroom. We all agreed that the poster should have been placed somewhere in the restaurant where everyone could see it, and also in a big enough font so that it could be read while waiting in line. Also, it is important to have nutritional information posted in the drive through area as well. However, this new requirement is a step in the right direction, because people need to be more aware of the choices they are making when it comes to eating. It is important to know what is in the food we are consuming, the calorie count, and the healthier options that are available. So many of our health issues today are the result of poor diet and a lack of exercise. For example, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in America, and obesity is directly linked to it. This new requirement that restaurants actually display nutritional information is important to Public Health because it allows consumers to make smarter and healthier choices when it comes to eating.

Seatbelts...wear them!

Left to right: Tracey, Kyra, Martin, Mj, Dalia 

According to researchers, “motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those ages 5-34 in the U.S.,” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). The CDC also states that more than 2.3 million were treated in emergency departments as the result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009.  For this purpose, our group decided to do a blog on seatbelts. Though motor vehicle safety seems relatively negligible compared to other controversial issues in public health, it is important that people understand the risks involved with not wearing a seatbelt. Seat belts are designed to keep passengers safe.  According to the CDC seat belts reduce the risk of being killed or injured by 50 percent. In addition to the serious health factors associated with not wearing a seatbelt, Florida drivers receive citations for failing to wear seatbelts. Again, this relates to public health because passengers may be more inclined to wear a seatbelt because of the legal consequences. Consequently, this helps prevent the severity of motor vehicle accidents. As public health majors it is important that we bring awareness to the risks involve of not wearing a seatbelt. We chose the Public Health parking lot to showcase our issue. The Public Health parking lot was fitting because many students drive in that area determined to find a parking spot. It is important that a seatbelt is always worn in a vehicle, even if it is right before class!  While holding a seatbelt, we all decided to take a picture to express the simplicity associated with wearing a seatbelt. This simple decision can prevent a casualty and promote positive health. 

Tracey Noelzinord

Mj Pereyra

Kyra Battle

Martin Bell

Dalia Odeh

Speed Safety

     Public health is the focus on the population's health through the prevention of disease/accidents and the promotion of health for all. Our group decided to use speed limit as an example of public health.  We chose a 30mph speed limit sign on 42^nd street, just off of campus. We chose this spot because it is relevant to public health and students especially. This speed limit sign on 42^nd street is right down the road from  both campus and some of the most popular off campus student housing. Many USF drivers will see this sign and have to obey the limit, reducing amount of motor vehicle accidents and helping to protect pedestrians. Since this area has many walkers going to and from campus, they are being protected as well by the restriction on speed. It is a great measure of public health because it is in a very popular area and it is important to reduce the opportunity for accidents.  We think that this an excellent example because it is a preventive measure taken to effect all people. Almost everyone in the United has either drove a car, rode a car/bus, or will at some point in the future. It is important that these vehicles have limits and regualtions. Without any limits, people could drive as fast as they want and accidents would be much more likely to occur. With too fast of driving, especially in populated areas with many walkers, it would be easy to hit someone crossing to the street if one was driving too fast. With speed limits in place, people on and off the roads can feel much safer.

You Are What You Eat

One of the leading causes of health issues in America is heart disease and stroke, primarily caused by poor diet. In The United States in 2010 alone, nearly 600,000 individuals passed away due to heart problems. To bring awareness of this rising health issue, we placed the public health sticker on Chuck’s Natural Food Marketplace a grocery that advocates healthy and organic food. Public health prevents diseases and promotes healthy lifestyle. Similarly, Chuck’s Marketplace supports the essence of public health. The grocery store has a vast majority of healthy products that ranges from: healthy organic spices to organic fruits.  So many Americans consume a large amount of processed, fat and sodium filled foods.   Across Chuck’s marketplace, is a vast majority of fast food restaurants (McDonalds, Burger King).  It is very easy for people to choose a meal that is fast and cheap, in comparison, to making a meal that will have a greater benefit on their life, as well as, their family.  Unfortunately, those well-known restaurants over shadow Chuck’s Marketplace and the many healthy options it has to offer.  The vitamin section of Chuck’s Marketplace is very important to public health. We bump into many cases where vitamins can become an important factor in our life because we may not consume all of the vitamins we need. If we take vitamin supplements that we do not consume throughout our day we are able to avoid many health problems compared to, not having this vitamin intake.  This beneficial marketplace is overlooked by many people in our community and with heart disease being the leading cause of death within the U.S., eating healthy is a step towards beating the battle of obesity in America and is important to provide people access to healthier food choices. 

Marketa Knight

Louis Go

Sarah Graham 

Jenifer Torres

Javaris