CMH provides exceptional anesthesia care

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who provide a full range of anesthesia care. By using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment, they work closely with our surgical team and other healthcare providers to bring patients safely and pleasantly through their anesthesia experience.

CRNA staff

• Breanna Hieb, APRN, CRNA
• Matthew Lewis, APRN, CRNA
• Joseph Vidmar, APRN, CRNA

Seamless monitoring and treatment for a variety of procedures

Anesthetics are types of medicine that provide pain relief, reduce anxiety and produce a state of calm, sleep or unconsciousness. The type and amount of medicine received depends on the procedure, surgery, or other condition of the patient.

The CRNAs at Community Memorial Hospital offer:

• Local anesthesia, which numbs one small part of the body while the patient remains awake and alert. These are used to restrict pain in a certain area of the body, usually during a minor procedure
• General anesthesia, which induces unconsciousness so you will not feel pain during a procedure or surgery
• Regional anesthesia blocks pain to a specific area of your body, including using spinal and epidural techniques. Labor epidurals–used during childbirth–are a common form of regional anesthesia and are offered at CMH
• Monitored anesthesia care with IV sedation for endoscopy
• Ultrasound guided nerve blocks to decrease postoperative pain
• Advanced vascular access
• Advanced airway management
• Personalized anesthetic assessment and planning
• Pediatric anesthesia
• Acute pain management

Keeping you safe

You can count on our CRNAs to provide the best possible care, which includes being fully informed of your health history. Please let your CRNA know details about:

• Your health history, including past experiences with anesthesia
• Your allergies
• Prescription and non-prescription medications, including supplements you’ve taken
• Foods and liquids you have consumed before your procedure

Our CRNAs will assess your individual needs and monitor your condition attentively to ensure your safety throughout the entirety of your procedure or surgery.

Recovering from anesthesia

Side effects of anesthesia. You may experience side effects from anesthesia including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue, feeling tired
• Sore throat–if you had a device placed in your airway to help you breath

Our CRNAs have over 20 years of experience and advanced training. Their aim is to provide expert, personable care for CMH patients through a full and comfortable recovery.