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KentuckyOne Health Donation Helps First Responders Save Lives in Breckinridge County - Archived

KentuckyOne Health Donation Helps First Responders Save Lives in Breckinridge County

Hardinsburg, Ky. (October 6, 2014)—When someone is experiencing a heart attack, emergency medical responders are often the first line of care. Having the latest technology can make the difference between life and death. On October 3, KentuckyOne Health officials presented new technological equipment to Breck Central EMS, which will help to ensure that patients who may be suffering a heart attack get the care they need more quickly.

The new equipment will attach to the LifePak EKG monitors that

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emergency medical technicians use in the field. These modems enable the transmission of data from a 12 lead EKG directly to any hospital that has a LifeNet monitor capable of receiving the information. This allows hospital emergency department  personnel to receive and review the data to determine if the patient is having a STEMI heart attack, one with elevated ST levels—a pattern on an EKG reading that indicates a total blockage.  The three new modems for Breckinridge County EMS, is a technology previously not employed in the area.

“This donation will better equip EMS in the field to get STEMI patients the quit and effective help they need,” said Barry Papania, director of Outreach, KentuckyOne Health. “Our mission is to provide access to care for the communities we serve.”  

KY One Health has provided the necessary equipment to upgrade BCEMS' current inventory of 12-lead EKGs for the ability to transmit. Once in place, paramedics in the field can capture critical data about the patient's condition and wirelessly transmit it to the appropriate hospital. This will give staff time to efficiently prepare for the patient's impending arrival. "Without a doubt this program will save lives by streamlining the process from patient point of contact  to arrival at the Emergency Department." Raleigh Shelton, Director

Once in place, paramedics in the field can capture critical data about the patient's condition and wirelessly transmit it to the appropriate hospital. This will give hospital staff time to efficiently prepare for the patient's impending arrival. "Without a doubt this program will save lives by streamlining the process from patient point of contact to arrival at the Emergency Department," said Raleigh Shelton, Director, Breck Central EMS

 KY One Health has provided the necessary equipment to upgrade BCEMS' current inventory of 12-lead EKGs for the ability to transmit. Once in place, paramedics in the field can capture critical data about the patient's condition and wirelessly transmit it to the appropriate hospital. This will give staff time to efficiently prepare for the patient's impending arrival. "Without a doubt this program will save lives by streamlining the process from patient point of contact  to arrival at the Emergency Department." Raleigh Shelton, Director

While all heart attacks are serious, those considered STEMI, which involve a total artery blockage, are those requiring the quickest treatment. Because of the total blockage, STEMI heart attacks cause rapid loss of heart muscle that cannot be regenerated.  In these situations, time saved is heart saved. 

Advance transmission of an EKG indicating a STEMI heart attack automatically sets off a STEMI alert at the receiving hospital, alerting the emergency department, cath lab, cardiologist and emergency department physician on staff.  This allows patients to be taken directly to the cath lab so that physicians can clear the blockage sooner.

In total, KentuckyOne Health will donate equipment valued at $33,500 to four area EMS providers. In addition to Breckinridge County, Bullitt County, Nelson County, and Montgomery County will also receive new technological equipment. These digital modems will bring a valuable update to the services provided in these areas.  

 

About KentuckyOne Health
KentuckyOne Health, the largest and most comprehensive health system in the Commonwealth, has more than 200 locations including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies in Kentucky and southern Indiana. KentuckyOne Health is dedicated to bringing wellness, healing and hope to all, including the underserved.  The system is made up of the former Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare and Saint Joseph Health System, along with the the University of Louisville Hospital and  James Graham Brown Cancer Center. KentuckyOne Health is proud of and strengthened by its Catholic, Jewish and academic heritages.

Publish date: 

Tuesday, October 07, 2014