OUR TOWN: David Lawrence recognized by SAR

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Flagler County Fire Rescue Firefighter/Paramedic David Lawrence received the Sons of the American Revolution 2014 Fire Safety Medal and Certificate March 20.

According to Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Fire Marshal Joe King, Lawrence, in addition, to his outstanding and dedicated performance as a Firefighter Paramedic, has been placed in charge of EMS supplies, medicines, and drugs which has resulted in a savings to Flagler County while at the same time increased the efficiency and accountability of Flagler County Fire Rescue.

International artist Steve Barton’s work on display in Flagler Beach
Twenty years ago, artist Steve Barton was given his first opportunity to display his artistic talent in an exclusive gallery in Laguna Beach, Calif. It was a major risk-it-all proposition for the young man from New Hampshire, who had crossed the country in search of beauty and inspiration while enjoying the laid-back California lifestyle on his own terms. His painting sold on the very first day and, as they say, the rest is history.

Paradise, peace and appreciation of simpler times are consistent themes of Barton’s work. His art has a subtle sense of movement through his use of texture, color and a unique frame style he invented known as the Wavy.

His work in on display at Ocean Books & Art, 200 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach. The gallery is open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Florida Hospital Flagler nurse sews for breast cancer patients
As a registered nurse in Florida Hospital Flagler’s Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Vicki O’Hanlon is one of the first health care providers to tend to women with breast cancer immediately after their mastectomy.

Here, she, along with a team of critical care nurses, closely monitor patients and assist them in their initial moments after surgery, when they are “waking up” from anesthesia. It is in the PACU, where patients begin their recovery back to health.

As part of the mastectomy procedure, patients have a post-operative Jackson Pratt drain inserted to collect bodily fluid from the surgery site for two to three weeks as they heal. These drains simply hang from the body and can be inconvenient and even uncomfortable.

Seeing the need, O’Hanlon, who happens to be a skilled seamstress, decided to do something to help these women. During her personal time, she began sewing “drain pouches” for Florida Hospital Flagler mastectomy patients. The pouches, which O’Hanlon sews in an array of colors and patterns, are worn like a cross-body purse and hold the drains, making them more comfortable during the healing process.

“Going through a mastectomy is a very difficult experience and I am happy to be able to make it just a little bit easier by sewing and providing the pouches,” O’Hanlon said. “It makes me feel good to be able to provide a bit of comfort to our patients.”

Working in the PACU, O’Hanlon can spot patients who would benefit from her homemade pouches. She helps patients select a design they like and explains how to use it. If a patient has had a double mastectomy, she gives them two pouches.

“I designed the pouches to be soft and machine washable,” O’Hanlon said. “One patient told me that they are so comfortable, she even wears it in the shower.”