HAYSMED

It may take only a few minutes, but for the victim of sudden cardiac arrest, it can be the event of a lifetime.

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adults in the United States annually. More than 95 percent of its victims die before reaching a hospital – many because they don’t receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation in time. Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electric shock to the heart to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

To help improve those odds, the HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute and the Hays Medical Center Foundation will hold its 18th annual Staying Alive Hands Only CPR Training on Saturday, March 23, at the Center for Health Improvement at Hays Medical Center. The one and one half hour class is designed for members of the general public, eight years and older; and is not for those seeking professional certification. More than 30 certified instructors and volunteers will donate their time to the event.

Classes in adult and pediatric CPR will be offered at 10:00 am. To register, call 1-800-248-0073, ext 5500 or 785-623-5500 or go to www.haysmed.com/education/.

When performed immediately, CPR may double a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival by adding critical minutes to a patient’s life. With CPR, breathing and chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation is performed.

Cardiac arrest survival is directly linked to the amount of time between the onset of sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation. Chances of survival drop 7-10 percent with every minute of delay. Brain death starts to occur in just four to six minutes.

Seventy-five to 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home, so knowing how to perform (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, according to the American Heart Association.

HFD

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants (weather permitting) on Wed., March 6 in the area of north of 41st St. and west of Hall St.

This is part of a coordinated effort by the city of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes.

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains.

Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public. Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from a fire hydrant during the short flushing period.

For more information please contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330.

The Student Government Association of Fort Hays State University, in partnership with the FHSU Foundation, is gearing up for its ninth annual Big Event, scheduled for Saturday, April 13, as part of I Love FHSU Week.

The purpose of the Big Event is to give back to the community that so greatly supports its students throughout the year. Last year, Fort Hays State University students participated in a multitude of service projects all over Hays. The projects included painting, gardening, community clean up, sorting clothes, etc. This year SGA hopes to reach more people and increase the amount of projects around the Hays community.

The group is now accepting project proposals. Submissions for projects will be accepted until April 1. Projects will be performed by teams comprised of student and staff volunteers, with shifts available in the morning and/or afternoon. Project proposal submission can be done HERE.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 785-628-5311.

HPL

The Hays Public Library is introducing a new checkout system. Using RFID technology, radio frequency identification, patrons are now able to check items out at checkout kiosks available on each floor.

The kiosks, which were installed last week, will make the checkout process quick and easy. After scanning a library card, approximately six to eight books or three CDs or DVDs can be placed on a pad at the same time. The pad will check out the items and turn off the security. The entire process is incredibly fast and easy. Patrons can also access their accounts to see the items they have checked out and renew items at the kiosk.

While the checkout kiosks will be the most notable and visual change for patrons, the RFID conversion was driven by the need to update security as well as the capability of RFID technology to revolutionize collection management of the 140,000 items at the library. The old security system was outdated and no longer effective. New security gates have been installed that can immediately notify staff of an item passing through the gates that isn’t checked out.

Some library patrons have expressed concern that staff members will lose their jobs and many say they value interaction with the staff during library visits.

“The new system will not result in staff layoffs or negatively impact service,” said Library Director Brandon Hines. “An exceptional patron experience is very important to the Hays Public Library Board and Staff. The efficiency of RFID will allow us to improve and extend the services we offer the community.”

“We know some people are skeptical and uncomfortable with new technology,” he added. “Library staff will always be available to walk patrons through the checkout process or do it for them if needed.”

More information about the checkout system, including an RFID Frequently Asked Questions document, is available at https://hayslibrary.org or by calling (785) 625-9014.

Ponds can provide water for livestock but, if managed properly, they can also provide outdoor recreation for the family and friends by stocking them with fish.

There are challenges in taking care of ponds to ensure that the fish thrive and that aquatic weeds don’t take over.

The Cottonwood Extension District is offering a “Fish Pond Management” program from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays.

Charlie Lee, K-State Extension Wildlife specialist, will present information and tips on managing fish ponds–including aquatic weed control, pond problems and solutions and as always there will be time for Q&A.

There is no cost to attend this program and all interested people are invited. Snacks & refreshments will be provided so RSVP is not necessary but appreciated by calling the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430.

— Cottonwood Extension District. Cover photo courtesy KDWPT

Thanks to a $95,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Fort Hays State University’s social work cohort program is expanding into Northwest Kansas.

The cohort program provides an opportunity for individuals in Northwest Kansas to complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree after earning an associate’s degree through Colby Community College.

With support from Valley Hope Inc. and Colby Community College’s outreach center, the program will also be available in Norton.

“This provides an option for western Kansans to earn an FHSU Bachelor of Social Work degree, fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, in their local communities,” said Dr. Tim Davis, chair of the department.

Classes, evening at the community college and online, are completed over a three-year period. Students take courses from both core faculty members at FHSU and local professional social workers serving as adjuncts. A full-time cohort coordinator is hired to provide for student recruitment, advisement, and to coordinate the ongoing needs of an offsite location.

Students in a cohort start and go through the three-year cycle together. FHSU commits to provide all three years of cohort education on site so that students who start can also finish in the same location.

FHSU’s Department of Social Work offers the development of skills and knowledge that enables individuals to help others. The department offers significant resources for students including various student organizations and research support. Hands-on experiences through service and internship opportunities are also available.

For more information about the program or to apply, contact Rekala Tuxhorn, cohort coordinator, at [email protected] or visit https://www.fhsu.edu/socialwork/Academic-Programs.

Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Wind chill values as low as -9. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph.

Wednesday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 20. East wind around 10 mph.

ThursdayMostly cloudy, with a high near 32. North wind 8 to 10 mph.

Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.

FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 36.

Friday NightA chance of rain between 7pm and 1am, then snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

SaturdaySnow likely before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 45. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 70%.