CMH donations benefit community
Emergency response time is a critical part of how CMH cares for its patients. The sooner a patient can be attended to by an emergency medical professional, the better.
This is why CMH was pleased to donate life-saving devices to three local groups in 2022: Knappa Fire District, Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association (LCYSA) and Northwest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS).
Improving CPR
CMH donated funds to Knappa Fire District to purchase two LUCAS 3 chest compression devices. The equipment is used for administering CPR.
“They can sustain life-saving circulation during prolonged resuscitation attempts,” says Chief Kurt Donaldson. “These machines have been studied extensively and are shown to be safe and effective. They can save patients.”
With the size of Knappa’s somewhat-remote service area, having the automated CPR devices may enhance outcomes for patients whose transport to the hospital can exceed 45 minutes from the time of an initial cardiac event.
AED donations
CMH donated funds so LCYSA and NWSDS could purchase two automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). The groups were awarded the funds during the hospital’s third Heart Month AED contest in February 2022. The contest is held annually and is open to local businesses and organizations that may benefit from having an AED.
LCYSA provides sports opportunities for more than 500 youth throughout Clatsop County and the Lower Long Beach Peninsula. Costs are kept low so kids’ participation is not hindered.
“Having an AED on-site for events would be beneficial not just for our players but for those family and friends who come to watch the events,” says Monica Steele, LCYSA sponsorship coordinator. “Being a nonprofit that doesn’t have a large budget, that doesn’t leave a lot of excess funds for important purchases such as an AED. We appreciate this opportunity.”
NWSDS is an intergovernmental agency serving vulnerable, low-income populations of elderly and those with physical disabilities. Knowing the people they serve have fragile health, Mark Acuña, quality assurance specialist, says having an AED in the building would give peace of mind and a safety net for emergencies.
“Were a senior or a disabled person to have a heart attack or heart rhythm problem, it would take serveral minutes for first responders to get to their side,” Acuña says. “I would like to pass on thanks to CMH for the generous donation and our excitement in receiving it!”