New equipment helps Foxwall EMS with lifesaving measures

Foxwall EMS will have better capabilities to care for cardiac patients and people with severe respiratory issues thanks to the purchase of a portable ventilator.

Paramedic Jenifer Swab said the equipment allows for precise control of a patient’s respiratory rate and other measurements of ventilation. It is military grade, weight-based and can be used on people of all ages.

“The Z-Vent is automatic so it permits EMS crews the ability to complete other lifesaving treatment while the ventilator is in use,” Swab said.

It was purchased from O’Hara-based Zoll Medical and paid for by a $15,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Fox Chapel Area.

“EMS agencies across the country are depending on support from community members and organizations,” Swab said.

“This support helps to bridge the financial gap that we especially appreciate when making capital purchases.”

Foxwall was the beneficiary of the Rotary’s annual golf outing in September at Hill Crest Country Club in Lower Burrell.

Rotary member Jim Michaels said Foxwall’s ventilator was out of date and past its expected lifespan. It was an “easy sell” to help the group, Rotary member Richard Wolf added.

“They explained that having a portable ventilator would allow them to serve patients much better,” Wolf said. “It’s a huge step forward for them.

“Their focus on this piece of equipment to improve community care was so impressive.”

Previously, Foxwall was using a plastic football-looking item to hand-ventilate. The new device adds precision and options while freeing up hands, Rotary President Bob Trimble said.

“I understand that one benefit may be to allow for a longer trip directly to a trauma hospital,” he said. “That might change the game for some patients.”

The emergency service operates three ambulances and a life support squad. Over the past two years, its call volume has doubled to 1,500 responses.

Grants like the one from the Rotary helps emergency responders to improve patient care and sustain lifesaving work, Swab said.

“It also affords us the opportunity to remain on the cutting edge of clinical care through the most current equipment and technologies,” Swab said.

On Feb. 16, Foxwall hosted a training event at its station along Hemlock Hollow Road. It was attended by UPMC prehospital staff members Justin Renda and Curt Neill and Rikki Tripp, Foxwall’s medical director.

Members of the Foxwall board of directors and the Rotary Club also attended.

Crews learned about the Z-Vent settings and how to apply and troubleshoot the device.

The use of ventilators by EMS personnel has historically been reserved for critical care patient transport, Swab said. Through improved technology, devices such as the Z-Vent now permit more widespread use of the equipment, she said.

“Their enthusiasm when they were training was amazing,” Wolf said. “It was really fun to see that they were so into learning how to use the equipment.”

Added Trimble: “That training visit was very special because we saw a group of talented emergency heath care providers really getting into the new technology and the new applications. It was ‘kid in a candy store’ stuff for the emergency folks.

“It was ‘this is why we do it’ for us.”