When someone’s heart suddenly stops from cardiac arrest, every second counts. Having an automated external defibrillator device, or AED, can make the difference between life and death. In the United States, around 475,000 people die from cardiac arrest every year.
Clara Barton Hospital continuously looks for ways to improve patient care and outcomes, many times partnering with the hospital’s foundation to fund important projects. Thanks to the Clara Barton Foundation’s fall membership drive and member support, Clara Barton Hospital has acquired three new life-saving defibrillators.
“For 30 years now, our generous members have helped fund several important projects, giving our community access top-notch medical equipment,” said Michelle Moshier, Foundation Director. “Cardiac arrest often strikes without warning and we are proud to equip our staff with the best technology available, so they have the ability to perform life-saving measures and increase positive outcomes.”
When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, a defibrillator is used to send a high energy electric shock through the heart, attempting to return it back to its normal functioning state. In addition, these defibrillators also feature easy-to-use technology, guiding staff to delivering quality CPR, on both adults and children, improving patient outcomes during resuscitation efforts.
According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or even triple chances of survival as longs as the compressions are effective. Effective chest compressions require a specific rate and depth in order to adequately pump blood through the vessels. However, many studies have shown that compression quality starts to diminish after a mere 2 minutes, when fatigue begins to set in.
“We are extremely fortunate that the Foundation was able to provide our facilities with these defibrillators that play such a huge role in improving the care of patients with heart conditions,” said Paula Hoffmeister, Emergency Room Director. “These machines have the capability to let rescuers know how effective their compressions are based on depth and pace, which is key to surviving the catastrophic event of a cardiac arrest. Having this equipment throughout our hospital ensures that any person needing that type of care will be provided with quality CPR.”
The Foundation funded a total of three Zoll R-Series Defibrillators that are currently being used in the hospital’s Emergency Room, Operating Room, and readily available for inpatients. This allows staff to be prepared to administer life-saving measures and have sufficient access throughout the hospital.
Membership support from the Foundation has funded multiple important projects over the last several years, most recently upgrading the hospital’s IV pumps and adding 3D Mammography services to the radiology department.
“Year after year, the Foundation’s Membership Drive has provided the funding needed to maintain the standard of excellence our hospital upholds,” said Moshier. “We are so fortunate to be part of a community that values healthcare
and supports our efforts to bring life-saving technology, like these defibrillators, to our facility. Thanks to membership support, our medical staff has the equipment they need to make every second count.”
If you would like to contribute to a project to help fund updated medical equipment at Clara Barton or if you would like to become a member of the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, please call the Foundation at 620-653-5012 or visit our website at www.clarabartonhospital.com/foundation.