Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
EMS in possession of CPAP machines
 |
| Aransas County EMS personnel display the new CPAP units in the department, one of which was made possible by the generosity of Sue Peek, third from right. Also on hand are from left, paramedics Sherry Green and Shane Tidwell, Personnel Director Patricia Arnold, Peek, EMT Neva Laskowski, and Training Director Cathy Farmer. Photo by NORMA MARTINEZ |
By NORMA MARTINEZ, Managing Editor
The Aransas County EMS is the proud owner of three new CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, one thanks to the generosity of a local benefactor.
Sue Peek donated the funds for the cost of one CPAP machine and kit in memory of her husband, the late James W. Peek.
EMS personnel director Patricia Arnold provided information about the CPAP units, explaining they help patients who are in congestive heart failure by providing a portable, easy-to-use, noninvasive oxygen delivery system.
Congestive heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to a dangerous respiratory emergency - severe pulmonary edema. In the past and for more than 30 years, paramedics treated patients by intubating them. That procedure involves inserting a breathing tube about the width of a small garden hose through the vocal cords, then pushing air into the lungs with an inflatable bag. This aggressive treatment is uncomfortable for the patient, and once performed, the patient typically spends time in an intensive care unit. In addition, infection is always a possibility and a cause for concern.
CPAPs have been used in hospitals for about 15 years, and more recently used in homes to help people with sleep apnea. Portable CPAPs are football-size devices featuring long tubing which connects directly to an oxygen tank, and a plastic mask through which oxygen is given to the patient to push fluid out of the lungs and back into the bloodstream.
It was noted CPAP units enable patients to seek help sooner without fear of intubation and the consequences which result from intubation. Those consequences include being in ICU for 72 hours or more at an estimated cost of about $8,000 per day with ventilation and care. Patients treated with a CPAP do not end up in ICU and their hospital stays are shorter, according to the documentation.
Arnold said the department has three of the CPAP units, which have been in the EMS trucks for just over a week, but fortunately they have not had to use them yet.
She said the season is now approaching where they begin to see more respiratory patients.
Arnold noted with only three CPAP units and six ambulances in the department, they shift the units among the trucks.
Arnold said they would like to have three more CPAPs so one can be kept in each ambulance. She said most often, four of the EMS ambulances are out on a call in the same time frame.
She pointed out a patient who could benefit from the CPAP machine may not get the benefit of its use if he/she happens to be serviced from one of the ambulances which does not have one. For that reason, they are attempting to raise funds for three additional units, which cost almost $1,300 each.
Arnold said they are extremely grateful to S. Peek, pointing out they would not even have a third unit if not for her generosity.
The EMS director also said that gratitude will be even more noticeable the first time a patient benefits from being treated with one of those CPAP units.
Sue Peek donated the funds for the cost of one CPAP machine and kit in memory of her husband, the late James W. Peek.
EMS personnel director Patricia Arnold provided information about the CPAP units, explaining they help patients who are in congestive heart failure by providing a portable, easy-to-use, noninvasive oxygen delivery system.
Congestive heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to a dangerous respiratory emergency - severe pulmonary edema. In the past and for more than 30 years, paramedics treated patients by intubating them. That procedure involves inserting a breathing tube about the width of a small garden hose through the vocal cords, then pushing air into the lungs with an inflatable bag. This aggressive treatment is uncomfortable for the patient, and once performed, the patient typically spends time in an intensive care unit. In addition, infection is always a possibility and a cause for concern.
CPAPs have been used in hospitals for about 15 years, and more recently used in homes to help people with sleep apnea. Portable CPAPs are football-size devices featuring long tubing which connects directly to an oxygen tank, and a plastic mask through which oxygen is given to the patient to push fluid out of the lungs and back into the bloodstream.
It was noted CPAP units enable patients to seek help sooner without fear of intubation and the consequences which result from intubation. Those consequences include being in ICU for 72 hours or more at an estimated cost of about $8,000 per day with ventilation and care. Patients treated with a CPAP do not end up in ICU and their hospital stays are shorter, according to the documentation.
Arnold said the department has three of the CPAP units, which have been in the EMS trucks for just over a week, but fortunately they have not had to use them yet.
She said the season is now approaching where they begin to see more respiratory patients.
Arnold noted with only three CPAP units and six ambulances in the department, they shift the units among the trucks.
Arnold said they would like to have three more CPAPs so one can be kept in each ambulance. She said most often, four of the EMS ambulances are out on a call in the same time frame.
She pointed out a patient who could benefit from the CPAP machine may not get the benefit of its use if he/she happens to be serviced from one of the ambulances which does not have one. For that reason, they are attempting to raise funds for three additional units, which cost almost $1,300 each.
Arnold said they are extremely grateful to S. Peek, pointing out they would not even have a third unit if not for her generosity.
The EMS director also said that gratitude will be even more noticeable the first time a patient benefits from being treated with one of those CPAP units.
 |
||
| Victim's families praise PD |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of rockportpilot.com.
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
cheri palmer wrote on Mar 15, 2009 10:38 PM: