NWTHS hospital using advanced CPR training program
Northwest Texas Healthcare System introduces new, digital resuscitation training and education to help increase cardiac arrest survival
More than 209,000 in-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S. with survival rates at about 26% from adult in-hospital cardiac arrest. For decades, the CPR training standard for healthcare providers has been Basic Life Support with a requirement for participants to renew their course completion card every two years; however, studies show CPR skills can decay within three to six months following this training. Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) recognizes the importance of high-quality CPR competence and performance to save more lives. According to a news release, in May of 2023, NWTHS, introduced Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI), a program co-developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical, to help clinicians achieve, master and sustain high-quality CPR skills and competence, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
More than 1,600 clinicians are enrolled in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support course instruction, which is delivered through six RQI Simulation Stations. The stations are positioned in a centralized location at the hospital; three stations at the hospital easily accessible to staff and stations at off-sit locations, affording learners greater flexibility and 24/7 access to resuscitation training and education.
“Our hospitals are committed to providing the highest quality of care and adopting the Resuscitation Quality Improvement program reflects this dedication,” said Patricia Diaz, RNC, BSN, MSN, Director of Nursing Education at NWTHS. “By implementing RQI, we are ensuring that our healthcare professionals can regularly refresh and hone their life-saving skills using a program shown to improve the quality of resuscitation efforts, which positively impacts patient outcomes.”
RQI is self-directed, simulation-based learning and performance provided through cognitive and hands-on CPR quality improvement sessions that measure and verify competence. The program employs a “low-dose, highfrequency” model requiring healthcare providers to complete course assignments in short sessions every quarter. To learn more about the RQI program, visit heart.org, www.laerdal.com and www.rqipartners.com.
Canyon ISD Transportation Department to host Bus Driver Job Fair
The Canyon ISD Transportation Department is holding a Bus Driver Job Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CISD Bus Barn, located at 3201 N 23rd St. in Canyon.
This event offers job seekers the chance to join a dedicated team and make a lasting impact in the lives of students across the district. No appointment is needed; applicants should bring a resume and be prepared for an on-the-spot interview.
Prospective bus drivers will have the opportunity to meet with the transportation director, learn about the role, and even participate in on-the-spot interviews. With a competitive starting pay of $17 an hour, CISD is committed to providing both meaningful employment and professional growth. In addition, Canyon ISD offers paid training to help new drivers obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), supporting their journey from the start.
CISD encourages community members looking for a rewarding career that makes a difference in students’ lives to attend. For more information, please contact the CISD Transportation Department at (806) 677-2670. Find out more about CISD at canyonisd.net
Amarillo company named to the 20th Annual Aggie 100
Bad soil can have a significant and lasting impact on the future of farming, leading to reduced crop yields, higher input costs, and diminished soil fertility. However, one Amarillo-based company, which recently made the Aggie 100, is working to change that. American Compost, co-owned by Ryan Zimmer, a 2006 A&M graduate, along with his in-laws John and Justin Homen, has developed a patent-pending compost that’s showing great promise in improving soil health and boosting agricultural yields.
“Soil degradation is one of the biggest threats to farming, but our studies show that our compost can help address this issue,” John Homen explained. “Farmers using it are not only seeing healthier soil but also increased yields and restored nutrients.”
John and his son Justin run the daily operations of American Compost, while their mother, Tonya, manages the office — making it a true family-operated business. “We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of the farming community in the Panhandle,” Justin added. “We’re incredibly grateful for their trust and encouragement.”
In addition to its impact on the agricultural industry, American Compost is expanding into the consumer market with a version of the compost now being used on lawns and golf courses across Texas. With a compound annual growth rate of 52.16%, as noted by the Aggie 100, the company is experiencing significant growth. Zimmer has had multiple businesses recognized on the Aggie 100 list over the years, with one of his companies making the list six times since 2013. A complete list of Aggie 100™ companies, including previous years, can be viewed at aggie100.com. Visit americancompostllc.com to learn more about American Compost.
Physical testing for AC Fire Academies coincides with 100 Club fundraiser
Amarillo College is excited to announce that it will administer physical ability testing for anyone seeking admission to the AC Fire Academy, and that same day all aspiring climbers are invited to ascend the fire tower for a good cause. The dual-purpose activities will take place Saturday, Nov. 16 at AC’s multi-million-dollar First Responders Academy on Plains Boulevard – adjacent to the Arts in the Sunset – which features state-of-the-art equipment and a new fire tower.
Potential Fire Academy candidates are invited to participate in required physical ability testing and orientation, beginning at 9 a.m. Everyone else is invited to take on the Hour Tower Climb challenge in support of the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle, which aids families of fallen and critically injured first responders. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. for the climb, which will officially begin at 10 a.m. Climbers are asked for a minimum $10 donation to take part, and as many as 20 climbers will be able to take on the tower at any given time. Non-climbers are encouraged to participate by donating, walking, and cheering those who climb.
Passing the physical ability test, which consists of simulated fire-scene activities, is among the requirements for admission to the Fire Academy. Upon completing the Fire Academy, which includes basic EMT training, and then passing the certification exams, students will be eligible to work anywhere in the state or country. “This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring firefighters to train in top-notch facilities and gain the skills needed for a successful career in firefighting and emergency medical services,” said Steve Malley, Fire Academy coordinator. “Many of our graduates have secured positions with esteemed area fire departments,” he added, noting examples including fire departments in Amarillo, Borger, Cactus, Canyon, Dumas, Pampa, Potter County, and Randall County.
Key information and dates for those wishing to pursue careers in fire technology at AC:
- Physical Ability Testing and Orientation: Saturday, Nov. 16 at 9 am
- Traditional In-Person Academy: Begins Jan. 20, 2025 and meets 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Hybrid Academy: Online coursework begins Jan. 20, 2025, with several hands-on weekend sessions
Both academies are scheduled to conclude in mid-May 2025. To apply or learn more about the program, please contact Stephen Malley, Fire Academy Coordinator, at [email protected] or call 806-457-4465.
WT student organization wins National Merit Award
CANYON — West Texas A&M University’s student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management recently earned a national award. WT’s SHRM chapter earned a Merit Award for its activities in the 2023-2024 academic year, recognizing “outstanding achievements in student chapter operations and a commitment to providing meaningful programs and services to your members and HR students in your community,” said Nancy Woolever, SHRM vice president for academic, certification and student committees.
In its award-winning year, the chapter held its 10th annual clothing drive, a collaboration with WT’s Office of Career and Professional Development that provides free, professional clothes for students. The chapter also hosted a seminar on age -related issues in the workplace. The chapter boasts about 40 members, mostly online students. “This is such a remarkable achievement, and it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of the students and faculty advisers,” said Dr. Amjad Abdullat, dean of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.
Randall County Sheriff’s Office adds more positions for jail expansion
On Aug. 8, 2023, the Randall County Sheriff’s Office broke ground on the expansion of the jail, which will add 96 new beds to the current 454 beds and is expected to be completed in January 2025.
The expansion has also created seven new correctional officer openings within the Randall County Jail, offering the citizens more opportunity to start their career in law enforcement. The requirements for employment as a correctional officer consist of such:
- Must be a licensed jailer through TCOLE within one year of employment
- Must pass the required physical agility test
- Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license; have and maintain a good driving record
- Ability to read and write the English Language
- Ability to meet specific physical requirements that may be established by departmental administration
WT Meat Judging Team dominates at Cargill Competition
CANYON — West Texas A&M University’s Meat Judging team recently took home another championship, powered by several perfect individual and team scores. The team won the championship of the Cargill High Plains Meat Judging Contest on Oct. 27 in Friona, with a score of 4,212.
“It is so exciting to see this team victorious as we head into the international contest next month,” said Dr. Loni Lucherk, Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging and team coach. “Most of these students had little to no experience in meat judging prior to coming to WT. Now, they are not just good at meat judging. They are leaders within University organizations and have an average GPA of 3.68. They are an all-around impressive group.”
The WT team placed first in pork judging and specifications, the latter with a perfect score. The team also placed second in reasons and beef grading, third in beef judging, fourth in placings and fifth in lamb judging.
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