New equipment purchases for emergency services at CPMC

Submitted by Sydney Williams

Libby, MT – Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Foundation is proud to announce the donation of two recent purchases for the Emergency Department.

The first purchase was the new Pediatric Glide Scope Baton which is used for obtaining an airway for pediatric patients that are not able to maintain their own airway or have stopped breathing. The second purchase was the new Lifepak 20e Defibrillator which monitors a patient’s heart rhythm and can be used to deliver a shock to correct an abnormal rhythm.

“Our new Pediatric Glide Scope Baton will allow our providers better visualization of the vocal cords while intubating (placing a tube for breathing) our pediatric patients,” explained John Thornton, RN, MSN, and Manager of CPMC Emergency Services. “Using video visualization during intubation has become a standard of practice in the hospital setting and this Glide Scope Baton gives our providers another tool to use when seconds count,” said Thornton, “There is great difficulty when trying to guide a tube down a child’s small throat without a clear view of where it’s going. The new Pediatric Glide Scope Baton allows the provider to clearly see inside the throat while navigating the tube.”

“The second piece of equipment, a Lifepak 20e Defibrillator allows us to continue providing care for patients who arrive to the Emergency Department with a shockable rhythm, or to deliver a shock to correct an abnormal rhythm,” continued Thornton.

The Lifepak 20e was purchased to replace the old Defibrillator that was reaching the end of its reliability. “Electronic devices don’t work forever and it was a decision that was made in order to continue providing great healthcare for the benefit of our patients.” Thornton said.

“When it was brought to the attention of the Foundation board that we were in need of a new piece of technology and had another piece nearing the end of its reliability, the Board was happy to help,” stated Kate Stephens, Executive Director. “The Foundation’s Mission Fund is there to help with the purchase of necessary equipment for the medical center. The Pediatric Glide Scope Baton and the Lifepak 20e Defibrillator are vital to the workings of our hospital and the board felt these purchases were a wonderful use of our donor’s money!”

Thornton is grateful to the Foundation and its donors for their financial assistance. “The Emergency Services Department is grateful for the Foundation’s generosity and support that allows our department to provide our community with quality care,” concluded Thornton.