Sample Radio Scripts

(These spots have aired on hundreds of radio stations around the country. They may be used for recording your own spot, or the scripts can be sent to radio stations as suggested story ideas. For assistance in using these spots or creating others, please contact ASA Communications at communications@asahq.org)

LAUNCH OF SMOKING CESSATION TASK FORCE

PDF Version

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF SURGERY?  APPARENTLY, IT CAN INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF QUITTING SMOKING.  BASED ON RESEARCH THAT SHOWS PATIENTS WHO QUIT AT THE TIME OF THEIR SURGERIES HAVE HIGHER SUCCESS RATES AND FEWER CRAVINGS, THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS HAS LAUNCHED A SMOKING CESSATION TASK FORCE.  THE GROUP IS REMINDING SMOKERS THAT QUITTING AROUND THE TIME THEY HAVE SURGERY CAN HELP THEM AVOID COMPLICATIONS AND SPEED RECOVERY TIME.  DOCTOR MARK LEMA IS PRESIDENT OF THE A-S-A:

“A-S-A formed the Smoking Cessation Task Force because anesthesiologists witnessed devastating consequences of cigarette smoking on a daily basis.  Smoking-related diseases may require surgery or complicate anesthesia management.  That’s why A-S-A decided we should go beyond our traditional roles and develop new opportunities to improve both the health and safety of our patients.” 
           
DOCTOR LEMA SAYS PATIENTS SHOULD LET THEIR ANESTHESIOLOGIST, SURGEON AND PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR KNOW THAT THEY’VE DECIDED TO STOP SMOKING BEFORE THEIR SURGERY.  I’M JOHN DRIDEN.

Disaster Preparedness

IN THE WAKE OF 9-11 AND KATRINA, DISASTER PLANNING IS THE LATEST IMPERATIVE FOR DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS. PERIODICALLY PHYSICIANS RUN SIMULATIONS TO PREPARE FOR HANDLING VICTIMS OF A NATURAL OR MANMADE EVENT. SUCH PRACTICE RUNS ARE THE ONLY WAY DOCTORS CAN EXPERIENCE TREATING INJURIES THEY HOPE THEY’LL NEVER ACTUALLY ENCOUNTER. DOCTORS SAY THE PUBLIC CAN HELP BY PREPARING IN OTHER WAYS. [Name of anesthesiologist] SAYS PATIENTS CAN HELP EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS AND ANESTHESIOLOGISTS BY PROVIDING IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO THEIR MEDICAL HISTORY IN A VERY SIMPLE WAY:

“The average person could write out on a fairly small card their significant past medical history, the operations they have had and whether or not they have had any anesthetic problems. They should list current medications and medication allergies.”

For more information on preparing for a disaster and for a health history checklist, visit www.asahq.org.