Rescue Funds Benefit SRAD

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By Marlana Smith

  In September 2021, the American Rescue Fund Committee approved Salt River Ambulance District’s application to upgrade much needed equipment.

  The SRAD was granted $109,976.40 to purchase two stair chairs, two Lucas 3 compression machines and two LifePak 15 cardiac monitors.

  SRAD Director Kieth Pantaleo said he is very appreciative the committee granted the district the funds for the equipment.

  The Lucas 3 allows uninterrupted compressions throughout the entire transport time, which will increase the survivability of the patient. The machine takes minimum time under a minute to set up. The total cost of the two machines was $66,051.

  Dana Perry, an EMT at SRAD demonstrated Thursday, December 2, how the machine works. She has been working with district since May 2021.

  Training was required with the vendor, which happens each time a new piece of equipment is purchased. The district has also performed some in-house training, as well. More training will be revisited later.

  In-service has been done on the LifePak 15 cardiac machine, but they are not on the trucks yet. There is some back-in programing to be done first.

  “The new machines are much like the previous machines, but newer,” said Pantaleo. “All, but one machine is past it’s life expectancy.”

  The total cost of the two cardiac machines was $37,201.60.

  The previous machines were purchased in 2012. Typically, cardiac machines last around six years.

  “The compatibilities to review on the monitor is more dynamic with LifePak 15 than it is with the Zoll,” said Paramedic Keith Hewgley who has worked for the district since 2014. “It’s a lot clearer picture and shows more minute changes that we may not be able to see on here (Zoll).

  “We’re talking about better definitive cardiac care, is really what it comes down too,” Hewgley added.

  Perry said all the options on the LifePak 15 machine are a lot more accessible.

  “You don’t have to go hunt for them,” Perry said. “Especially when you’re in a moment where you’ve got to get stuff done.”

  There is a three month back order on the two chair lifts. The cost of the stair chairs was $6,723.