Aspirus highlights SANE services offered at 12 area hospitals

As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Aspirus Health is highlighting the role of the forensic nurses that coordinate a mobile team that supports Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services across 12 hospitals in northcentral Wisconsin.
In a release, Aspirus noted that access to specially trained forensic nurses can be limited in rural Wisconsin.
“We learned there were gaps in the system because there are only so many trained forensic nurses in this specialty,” said Amy Riegert, RN, Aspirus Forensic Nurse and SANE Coordinator. “This has allowed us to extend our reach, especially into rural communities.”
Aspirus said the mobile model creates a clear response process.
According to Aspirus, when forensic support is needed, the emergency department contacts the nurse scheduled for availability and that nurse travels to the hospital to conduct the medical-forensic examination, collect evidence, complete documentation, and provide patient-centered support. The structure allows emergency teams to remain focused on other critical patients while specialized care is delivered.

“With more education that we are able to provide to the emergency departments, they are better equipped to know what to do and how to connect with us and respond,” Riegert said.
Patient care remains central to the program, Aspirus said.
“The SANE program provides forensic care to patients who have undergone a violent traumatic event, such as sexual assault or nonfatal strangulation,” said Kari Rickert, RN, Aspirus Forensic Nurse. “My job is to ensure that we don’t re-traumatize the patient, which looks like offering them choices, letting them be in control, and providing options for their care.”
Patients may present to any Aspirus emergency department, and staff will coordinate appropriate forensic nursing support.
Aspirus said services are consistent regardless of location.
For more information about the Aspirus SANE program, visit aspirus.org/sexual-assault-treatment.