(Photo taken Pre-Pandemic)
Respiratory Therapists Brianna MacLean and John Gallagher are working hard to ensure that the children have every opportunity to strengthen their pulmonary function. Part of that process is monitoring respiration data and watching and acting on trends they observe. This spring we have a mini campaign going to raise $3,675 to purchase a Masimo Rad-97 Capnography machine. Nearly ten years ago, Cedarcrest expanded its clinical care program with the introduction of respiratory therapy services and care for children with significant respiratory compromise. The program has been instrumental in helping many young children wean successfully from ventilators, have their tracheostomy tube removed permanently and in a number of instances they have gone home to live with their families. Cedarcrest has become an expert in managing care of children with compromised respiratory systems. Currently, Cedarcrest provides care for six residents who rely on mechanical ventilation. We are a unique option for children for whom this level of care is needed as an intermediate step between the NICU/PICU
and home.
Contributions contributed will purchase a Masimo Rad-97 capnograph and mounting plate. While we currently have access to a capnograph, it is on loan. Unlike our current model, the updated version gives a visual read out of the resident’s end tidal CO2 oxygen saturation and heart rate on one readout screen. Trending the end tidal CO2 measurement will give caregivers another valuable tool to monitor a child’s oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange in lungs.
This Rad-97 is compatible with our Safety Net Monitoring System, which has the ability to trend data over time, producing detailed reports for use by child’s care team. The older model capnograph does not have the ability to integrate data with Safety Net. The Rad-97 oximeter will come mounted to a portable pole to have the capability to be utilized by all residents in times of acute illness, respiratory distress, and ventilator-setting changes.
