Owensboro Health | Lift | September 2018

Dr. Tony Decker is passionate about preventing traumatic injuries in our communities, particularly among youth. And he sees it far too often. Dr. Decker is the medical director of Trauma Services at Owensboro Health. He often delivers the hardest news any family will ever hear after distracted driving accidents: that their son or daughter did not survive. But trauma is preventable. Owensboro Health is taking an active role in educating high school students about the consequences of distracted driving through the annual Ghost Out program. Every year during prom season, Ghost Out aims to deter impaired driving by showing high school students a glimpse of the ugly truth. This year, it was Owensboro High School’s turn. For the students, Ghost Out is a surprise. The aftermath of an impaired driving crash is set up. First responders simulate emergency procedures used to keep the “patients” alive. One student, portraying the impaired driver, is handcuffed by a police officer. The students who are acting travel to the hospital by ambulance, where a trauma situation is simulated while the rest of the students watch. “We want them to understand the true impact of their decisions,” Dr. Decker said. “If it hurts them a little, that's OK. I'd rather traumatize them this way than the real way.” Daily doodles brighten the Wound Center Patti Ellis is not only an administrative assistant at the Wound Center on Parrish Avenue in Owensboro. She is also responsible for bringing smiles, laughter and a little bit of happiness to her patients and co-workers each day with her daily doodles. Lisa Gentry, RN, manager of the center, said the artwork and doodles are a small part of the center, but they make a big difference. “We get so serious sometimes in the workplace that we forget that coming to work should be an enjoyable experience too. If you're not enjoying your work, that's going to filter down to the patients,” Gentry said. “She’s a very kind-hearted person. She's a great asset to our team.” GHOST OUT Acting to prevent a tragedy To read the full story and see a video of this year’s Ghost Out, go to OwensboroHealth.org/Lift “We want them to understand the true impact of their decisions.” —Dr. Tony Decker OwensboroHealth.org  5 Owensboro Health News