B ecause timeliness is crucial in matters of life and death, many emergency response professionals have learned that staying ahead of disaster starts with planning ahead, like the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) does.
Louisiana Emergency Response Network
B A R R I N G E R F O R E M A N T E C H PA R K 14141 Airline Highway, Building One, Suite A-B Baton Rouge, LA 70817 225.756.3440 lern.la.gov
Within its facility from St. John Properties, Louisiana Emergency Response Network operates a call center, conference room and offices, all in two suites, complete with a backup generator, to function effi- ciently and quickly. In describing the network, Executive Director Paige B. Hargrove said, “LERN is an agency of state government created by the Louisiana legislature in 2004, and charged with the responsibil- ity of developing and maintaining a statewide system of care coordination for patients suddenly stricken by serious traumatic injury or time-sensitive illness, such as heart attack and stroke.” These health situations require immedi- ate care, which is why the LERN Communication Center hires nationally certified paramedics. They use LERN Board-approved protocols to handle trauma, ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and stroke patients while routing them to the appropriate hospital for their medical care.
A facility that houses the entire network in one location both improves employees’ work efficiency and allows the communication center to remain open 24/7, year round. “Our call center provides support and direction to EMS and hospital providers by facilitating patient movement across the state,” Hargrove said. Additionally, St. John Properties custom- ized the facility for a 24/7 operation to include a concrete pad that supports a 150-kW generator. “Given the nature of our work, we require backup power in order to continue services during power outages,” Hargrove said. “Our space has been outfitted with a large generator, which allows for continued operations during power outages.” Maintenance requests are resolved quickly, allowing the network center to continue its work without pause. LERN also needed administrative areas to handle the behind-the-scenes opera- tions of the network. “Our space also
provides us with a large conference room, which is needed for quarterly board meetings,” Hargrove said. “This space is also used frequently for training courses and other statewide meetings.” All together, the communication center, generator and offices allow LERN a unique position in Louisiana’s emer- gency response field. “During times of disaster,” Hargrove said, “LERN is responsible for managing and operat- ing the Emergency Medical System Tactical Operations Center. Our office space has enough space to do this effectively, and we have the necessary generator in order to ensure uninter- rupted operations. The ability to have all of this space together allows for a more efficient operation.” The Louisiana Emergency Response Network uses every asset of its St. John Properties facility to provide direction for EMS, host meetings or educational events, and to make certain their job gets done.
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