HCFS takes delivery of new life-saving equipment

GAINESVILE - Hall County Fire Services has received 15 new cardiac monitors (Zoll X-Series) which it plans to have in service before Christmas.<br /> <br /> Spokesman Scott Cagle said the monitors are the primary tools used by paramedics to diagnose an active heart attack. The technology used in these devices allows doctors to begin monitoring patients while they are still en route to the hospital. <br /> <br /> Cagle said because the previously used technology was becoming outdated, this upgrade was imperative in order to continue monitoring and to begin appropriate treatment as early as possible.<br /> <br /> Fire Captain Christie Grice said the new monitors will communicate real-time data directly to doctors at the hospital.<br /> <br /> "With that, we'll be able to have another set of eyes on that and begin our treatment while we're en route to the hospital."<br /> <br /> Grice said time is of the essence when it comes to heart patients. <br /> <br /> "The cath. team can come in and be set up and ready. We can actually transfer that patient from the back of the ambulance with medications already on board, allowing oxygen to get to that heart, and then take them and place them straight on the cath. table with the doctor at bedside," Grice added.<br /> <br /> Cagle said the monitors will be placed on all Hall County Fire Services ambulances, two Advanced Life Support fire engines, and the Marine Rescue boat. <br /> <br /> "Hall County Fire Services personnel are now better equipped to treat our citizens," fire chief Jeff Hood said. "We feel patients will get top-grade treatment in the field and that level of treatment will continue once delivered to the nation's number number one rated cardiac hospital [Northeast Georgia Medical Center]."<br /> <br /> Purchase of the new equipment was approved by the Hall County Board of Commissioners at a price ot $480,000.<br /> <br /> Fire department personnel are currently training on the new monitors and the equipment will be in service beginning December 18, according to Cagle.