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EMT additions benefit Henning area residents [UPDATED]
Published 9:24am Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Updated 11:25am Tuesday, March 27, 2012Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in Henning appreciate reliance on Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). In the near future they’ll have even more assistance, for the benefit of area residents.
Two Chest Compression System machines will soon be available for usage by the Henning Ambulance Service.
“One of the compression system machines will be on site within the next four weeks,” said Henning Ambulance Service Director Bob Reinbold. “They each cost $15,000. One is paid for and we’re well on our way for paying for the second unit.”
The Henning and Ottertail Lions clubs are planning a fundraiser on Friday, April 27, with meat raffles at three different locations.
The new Chest Compression System machines will allow for 100 chest compressions per minute. At the present time, members of the Henning Ambulance Service provide chest compressions manually. Use of the AED allows for the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
The new chest compressions units will be attached to patients and continue without interruption until arriving at hospitals. Reinbold said this is a critical function in life-saving efforts.
“We’re appreciative for the support from many people, including Lions Club members, in helping to purchase these two valuable Chest Compression System machines,” said Reinbold.
The addition of the chest compression units complements the move of the Henning Ambulance Service to new quarters adjacent to the new City Hall on the south side of town.
The crews, following the move to the new city hall complex, no longer have to deal with cramped quarters.
The city fire department stayed in its current location, adjacent to the old city hall, and has more space since the ambulance service now is located in the new city hall complex.
The new ambulance quarters also allow for a meeting room where EMTs can have training sessions, review recent EMT calls (debriefing and the like) and catch some much-needed sleep after an early-morning emergency call.
