Paramedics to be trained on new ultrasound device thanks to retired teachers grant
Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO) District 18 members recently presented City of Kawartha Lakes Community EMS Services with a $4,000 donation. The money will be used to train paramedics to use a new point of care ultrasound device.
After learning about the ultrasound device, the organization applied for a community service grant from their Toronto-based headquarters. “One of our pillars of RTOERO, is to make things available, if we can, for older people,” said George Denny, president of RTOERO.
The organization’s main office in Toronto offers grants for community service, and after hearing about the ultrasound device they applied for the grant.
“Through this funding, our team will receive specialized training in ultrasound technology, empowering them to deliver advanced in-home care and strengthen our capacity to manage chronic diseases more effectively.” said Autumn Campbell, community paramedic superintendent.
The device will also allow for paramedics to assess cardiac function and check for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The device will help to make the care of Kawartha Lakes residents more effective. For instance, in nursing homes, when residents require an ultrasound at the hospital, they are asked to consume a specified amount of water. If it is determined that they have not drunk enough, they may need to wait several hours at the hospital before the procedure can be completed. Paramedics who have received training on these devices will be able to visit nursing homes to assess whether patients have sufficient water in their bladder before transferring them to the hospital.
