NEXT time you have a heart attack in Cairns, it may well be a defibrillator bought through Cardiac Challenge donations, that shocks you back to life.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation bought four defibrillators for the Emergency Department, as well as a defibrillator for the orthopaedic ward, at Cairns Hospital.
Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said the items were life-saving cardiac equipment to save anyone’s life in the Far North.
Cairns Hospital emergency department director Dr Richard Stone said the new equipment was newer and using the latest technology. “The new defibrillators also mean we have more available should they be needed by multiple patients at the same time,” Dr Stone said.
“They also provide better cardiac monitoring in case a patient is transferred to another unit within the hospital,” he said. “The software bought by the Foundation allows ECGs (heart tracings) to be captured at the bedside from existing patient monitors and transferred directly into the patient’s medical record. This improvement reduces the time taken by nursing staff to capture an ECG and makes the ECG available to medical staff much sooner. It is a small step on the journey to provide a fully digital health record. All of the emergency department staff are very grateful to everyone who rides a bike and donates to the Cardiac Challenge, which provided this equipment that will certainly benefit the whole Far North community.”
“All of the emergency department staff are very grateful to everyone who rides a bike and donates to the Cardiac Challenge, which provided this equipment that will certainly benefit the whole Far North community.”
The man who instigated Cardiac Challenge 12 years ago, Pete McNally, was thrilled to see the equipment that so many people had worked towards achieving. Since inception, the event has raised more than $3 million for cardiac services in the Far North, including the $1.4 million second cardiac catheter laboratory.
Mr McNally, was born with a congenital heart condition and still requires ongoing cardiac care, said he knew what a difference the equipment would make to patient lives. He has personally been cardioverted 12 times and has undergone numerous procedures over the years.
“We’re taking registrations now for this year’s event – everyone who registers and donates can be confident the money really does stay local and go where it is intended,” Mr McNally said.
Funds raised this year will go towards a Vivid Echocardiogram ultrasound system for the cardiac department.
To register for, or donate to Cardiac Challenge, click HERE.