Pocono Mountain Regional EMS professionals received outstanding recognition & generosity from the community in honor of National EMS Week May 17 - 23 . On behalf of the entire organization we would like to say thank you all. th
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Our May edition also includes our team out and about in the community, news from area health networks, along with helpful points about Stroke Awareness and Mental Health Support.
Don’t miss PMREMS opportunities to Subscribe for the Drive and the hottest ticket in town - Regional Round!
Thank you to the Monroe County Control Center 911, Walmart Distribution Center 6080- Tobyhanna & A Pocono Country Place for stopping by with some amazing goodies to help us celebrate EMS Week!
Our crews are feeling the love, & the snacks were definitely a hit. We are grateful for the continued support from our community partners who recognize the hard work, dedication, & compassion our EMS professionals bring to every call, every shift, every day.
From dispatch to delivery, teamwork keeps our community moving
Stroke Awareness Month
See the Signs
May is a month known for spring blooms, sunny weather, and some interesting happenings, such at the Kentucky Derby and the Indianapolis 500. May 1 marks the 1931 opening of the Empire State Building. May 14 commemorates Lewis and Clark starting their journey in 1804. And of course, we can’t forget May the 4th is Star War’s Day (and incidentally World Tuna Day as well). May is also American Stroke Month. A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. Strokes are also the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the world. That can be a scary fact, but it’s important to know that nearly 80% of strokes are preventable through managing medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and by living a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise can greatly decrease the risks of stroke. By quitting smoking, you can reduce your risks by 2-4 times. Ensure you and your health care team are working together to treat the medical conditions that lead to stroke.
The warning signs of a stroke can come fast, make sure to recognize the signs quickly, and take immediate action The American Heart Association has developed the B E F A S T chart to ensure the risks of stroke can be quickly identified. It is crucial that if you or your witness someone has any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
B = Balance Loss
Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Is the person having trouble walking or experiencing dizziness?
E = Eye (Vision) Changes
Are there sudden changes in vision? Ask the person if they are experiencing blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
F = Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T = Time to Call 911
If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!
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PMREMS proudly participated in the 2026 Mock Crash teaching local high school students the danger of distracted driving
PARTNER POINTS
Thomas Jefferson University Announces Thomas Jefferson University Announces
Major Academic Expansion to Lehigh Valley Major Academic Expansion to Lehigh Valley
Thomas Jefferson University announced a comprehensive plan to expand its academic programs into the Lehigh Valley region, reinforcing Jefferson’s commitment to strengthening the regional healthcare workforce and supporting long-term economic growth. “Our expansion into the Lehigh Valley reflects Jefferson’s continued commitment to improve lives by providing high-quality education and training, while also establishing innovative solutions to address vital healthcare needs, improve workforce development and drive economic revitalization in the communities that we serve.” - Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson Beginning in Fall 2026, Jefferson College of Nursing will broaden its footprint by offering onsite nursing education at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Center for Healthcare Education in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. A full-time DNP–Nurse Anesthesia program will be offered at this location, along with a suite of online graduate programs — including a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Additional programs include a PhD in Nursing, an RN-to-BSN program, advanced certificates, and more — all pending accreditation.* “We are thrilled to expand our University’s world-class academic experience to the Lehigh Valley,” said Susan C. Aldridge, PhD, President of Thomas Jefferson University. “By investing in innovative pathways, comprehensive clinical training and strong regional partnerships, we are building a sustainable pipeline to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
Additionally, in Fall 2026, the University will launch an online Associate of Science program in Paramedicine. The program will award up to 30 academic credits for prior paramedic certification and training, creating an accelerated pathway for paramedics to earn a college degree and advance their careers. Graduates will also receive direct admission into any of the College of Health Professions’ online bachelor’s degree programs, with all associate degree credits applied toward degree completion. Among them is the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, which creates a pipeline to address the critical need for respiratory therapists in the Lehigh Valley area. In late summer, Jefferson will open a satellite respiratory therapy laboratory at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where students can complete lab work and hands-on clinical training at Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region hospitals while completing didactic courses online. To create additional pathways for career advancement, respiratory therapy students maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher will receive waived admission into the MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion or MS in Physician Assistant Studies programs in Jefferson’s College of Health Professions.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, eight physician assistant students and more than 80 Sidney Kimmel Medical College students are completing clinical rotations at Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region hospitals, with participation expected to more than double in 2026–2027.
“Our expansion into the Lehigh Valley reflects Jefferson’s continued commitment to improve lives by providing high-quality education and training, while also establishing innovative solutions to address vital healthcare needs, improve workforce development and drive economic revitalization in the communities that we serve,” said Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson. In collaboration with local partners, Jefferson is creating a residential community in Allentown for students from all its Lehigh Valleybased programs, enhancing interprofessional education while contributing to the downtown’s economic and cultural momentum. Collectively, Jefferson’s extensive expansion into the Lehigh Valley reflects a commitment to academic excellence, workforce development and community partnership and underscores the organization’s long-term investment in education and healthcare delivery now and in the future.
