By Joel van der Veen
Anyone can tell you that the Family First Radiothon — an annual fundraiser for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation — is an important event, raising money for a worthy cause, and making a difference for patients throughout the city and region.
But it’s the doctors, nurses and other hospital staff — those who will use the equipment purchased with proceeds from the radiothon — who can tell you just what a difference it makes.
Mike Amies, one of three respiratory therapists at Moose Jaw Union Hospital, said the facility will be able to standardize some of its equipment, including defibrillators, which will limit the confusion that can arise from working with different models.
“When it’s a crisis situation and somebody needs to use the defibrillator, it’s important that those defibrillators be all the same make and model,” he told the Times-Herald. “The more standardized we get that way, the better.”
Amies has worked in Moose Jaw since 1992, and said the city hospital has long recognized the importance of having modern, up-to-date equipment.
“It’s because of these kinds of events and a generous community,” he said. “It’s just great every year that there’s so much support for it.”
The proceeds from this year’s event — planned with the theme “Give in a Heartbeat” — will be used to purchase cardiac and stroke equipment for the hospital’s various wards. The fundraising goal for 2012 is approximately $202,000.
The plan is to purchase 20 oxygen and vital signs monitors, valued at $4,700 each; two defibrillators at $20,000 each; and four cardiac monitors at $17,000 each.
The radiothon will be broadcast on CHAB on May 3 and 4, emceed by on-air personalities Rob Carnie and Craig Hemingway, live from the centre court of Town ‘n’ Country Mall.
Dr. Fauzi Ramadan, senior medical officer for Five Hills Health Region, said the equipment purchased in past years has helped to improve the care offered at Moose Jaw Union Hospital.
“When we raise money,” he said, “we can buy the best available rather than just the required. . . we find it very helpful.”
For more information, see Wednesday's edition of the Times-Herald.
