September 2004 Hot Shots

CD CPR Training

As technology progresses, emergency responders can now receive their CPR certification from the comfort of their own homes. Citizen Safety Institute offers accredited CPR training and certification via CD-ROM. This allows students to learn at their own pace, when and where they want. The CD-ROM format combines audio, visual and hands-on instruction: Users first read the accompanying text, then reinforce that by listening to the audio. They view the CD’s animation, then practice through interactive exercises and finally test once that’s completed. If an answer is missed, students can return to that specific area to relearn the subject matter. Certificates are received after completion. The company also offers a network version for use by entire squads. For more information, call 800/277-3333, or visit www.citizensafety.org.

Spineboard Sterilizer

Today’s EMS, fire and hospital workers face a range of biological hazards. Every time a patient bleeds or expels a bodily fluid onto a spineboard, the healthcare worker is faced with potential exposure to disease. Future patients can also be exposed to the same pathogens, leaving the agency at risk of liability for patient exposure. To eliminate these concerns, SD Corp. has created the Spineboard Decontamination Unit (SDU). This self-contained decon alternative is safe, fast, sanitary and efficient. The unit can hold three contaminated spineboards at a time for pre-wash and disinfection. SDUs are currently used by customers in fire, EMS and trauma centers. For more information, call 561/715-6487, or visit www.sducorp.com.

Just Breathe

The Life Corporation’s Emergency Oxygen SoftPac is an ideal lightweight portable AED companion that provides supplemental oxygen to a breathing victim before the onset of fibrillation; oxygen-enriched CPR to a non-breathing victim; or continued supplemental oxygen after successful defibrillation. It weighs only six pounds and features a constant-reading supply gauge visible through a clear window, as well as a shoulder strap and foam handle for easy carrying and a hook for wall mounting. The company’s Life CPR mask universally fits children and adults with a one-way valve and filter to prevent disease transmission. Refillable without a prescription, the SoftPac provides a 40-minute supply of oxygen at 6-lpm fixed-flow, 6- and 12-lpm for 100% inspired oxygen, and 0–25-lpm variable flow for EMTs. In white or green. For more information, call 800/700-0202, or visit www.lifecorporation.com.

RescueNet Gets Traffic Mapping Capability

The quest for homeland security has enabled some fruitful collaborations. Among those is the latest from ZOLL Data Systems, which has announced a partnership with Bradshaw Consulting Services to add MARVLIS mapping technology to ZOLL’s RescueNet Dispatch and RescueNet Mobile solutions. This new functionality can help EMS organizations track and store historical data from dispatch calls about traffic patterns and volume, in order to identify “hot spots.” The new mapping capability, which uses visual system status management, can yield cost reductions, as optimal vehicle placement can result in better geographical coverage using fewer vehicles and staff. The MARVLIS feature was developed around a pair of industry-standard software packages, MapObjects and NetEngine. It connects field vehicles to dispatch’s CAD system via wireless communications between an in-vehicle mobile data terminal and an interface connected to the CAD network. For more information, visit www.zolldata.com, or e-mail dmclain@zolldata.com.

Improved Laryngeal Mask

With the multitude of threats with which emergency responders must contend these days, safe, sterile gear that prevents the spread of bacteria is more important than ever. For this need, Ambu offers its new and improved Laryngeal Mask. As a sterile single-use product, the Ambu mask significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and other hazards, while remaining cost-effective in use. Additional features include an extra-soft cuff, a special curve that replicates human anatomy, one-piece design, a reinforced tip that won’t bend upon insertion, and complete disposability. For more information, call 800/262-8462, or visit www.ambuusa.com.

Automatic AED Management

When an AED is needed, it had better work, and your personnel had better be ready to use it. LifeGuard Medical Solutions’ webAED is an affordable, easy-to-use Web-based AED management system designed to monitor your AEDs and your responders’ training certifications. Subscribers are automatically notified by e-mail whenever their electrode pads, batteries or training certifications are nearing expiration. Reports are easily retrieved, allowing management, monitoring and maintenance of an entire AED program. For more information, call 615/256-1818, or visit www.webaed.com.