Provides Training for Police in Stroke Awareness
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Chief Montella (L) presents Dr. Thomas with award outside Riddle’s new Emergency Department
(Media, PA)David Thomas, DO, PhD, a physician at Riddle Hospital, was recently honored by Upper Providence Township with the Recognition and Appreciation Award at the December 11 meeting of Township Council, for his willingness to go above and beyond in assisting police and citizens of the township. Chief of Police David Montella made the presentation stating, “Our police respond annually to approximately 15,000 incidents and requests for service, with 547 being medical emergencies ranging from minor cuts to cardiac arrests. I am a firm believer in training and education, so when Dr. Thomas offered to provide the entire police department with Advanced Stroke Awareness Training, we were very grateful. This training will allow our officers to assess patients and begin quality pre-hospital care with a direct care module that encompasses efficient treatment of stroke. By knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke, the officers can call ahead to the hospital, alert the stroke team and in turn, save lives. We are extremely fortunate to have such a caring and dedicated individual in our community.”
Dr. Thomas and his wife, JoAnne, have been residents of Upper Providence since 2007, where he serves on the Planning Commission and also led the effort to fundraise for three new AED’s which are now being used by Upper Providence police for emergency calls, providing essential life-saving equipment in case of a cardiac arrest. Dr. Thomas is a neurologist at Riddle Hospital and serves as Campus Chief of Medicine, Chief of Neurology and Founder/President of The Center for Neuroscience.