10 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER December 2021
TVF & R
By CHRISTINA LENT
TVF & R deploys new cardiac monitor defi brillators
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue recently deployed 60 new LIFEPAK 15 cardiac monitors replacing our current fleet of cardiac monitor-defibrillators that were reaching the end of their useful service life . Cardiac monitor-defibrillators are an essential tool used by our firefighter paramedics and single-role paramedics to evaluate , treat and manage cardiac emergencies in the field .
In 2019 , TVF & R ’ s Emergency Medical Services Division was notified by the manufacturer of the prior cardiac monitor-defibrillator device that their device would no longer be supported after 2021 for maintenance and repair . At that time , these devices had been in-service since 2006 .
TVF & R along with 15 other fire and EMS agencies formed a multiagency monitor workgroup to evaluate cardiac monitor-defibrillator replacement options . The EMS and Training divisions of these agencies dedicated countless hours researching replacement options , hosting multiple vendor presentations , and conducting end-user evaluations .
Eventually , the selection committee pared the field down to three manufacturers , allowing crews to interact more closely with each monitor-defibrillator as they would in actual clinical settings while treating patients in the field . Crews provided feedback on nine features including ergonomics , user interface and overall functionality . The EMS Division staff also assessed the manufacturers for data storage , retrieval and transmission , warranty options and customer support .
Cardiac monitor-defibrillators are used to evaluate and treat nearly every patient encountered by TVF & R ’ s firefighter paramedics and single-role paramedics . Along with cardiac monitoring , these tools also have the capability to evaluate advanced 12-lead electrocardiograms ( ECGs ) that can be
transmitted to the emergency department of hospitals , monitor patient ’ s vital signs and deliver lifesaving electrical shocks for patients who have suffered cardiac arrest .
TVF & R ’ s Medical Director Dr . Mohamud Daya states , “ The LIFEPAK 15 is a robust and clinically proven monitor-defibrillator that brings several new features and functionality that will help TVF & R ’ s line personnel provide the best care possible in the field .”
The cardiac monitor-defibrillator replacement was funded from TVF & R ’ s EMS equipment budget and was included in the fiscal year 2021 budget process .
COURTESY PHOTOS
TOP : The crew at Station 56 holds one of TVF & R ’ s new LIFEPAK 15 cardiac monitor-defibrillators . BOTTOM LEFT : Cardiac monitor-defibrillators are an essential tool used by firefighter paramedics and single-role paramedics to evaluate , treat and manage cardiac emergencies in the field . BOTTOM RIGHT : TVF & R recently deployed 60 new LIFEPAK 15 cardiac monitors to replace the current fleet that were reaching the end of their useful service life .