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Fundraising efforts allow KERPA to purchase critical equipment

Lone Sheep Publishing
By Lone Sheep Publishing
February 22nd, 2021

After a two year-long fundraising effort by the Kootenay Emergency Response Physician Association (KERPA), the hard work has resulted in purchasing a critical piece of equipment.

The new portable, compact, lightweight Cardiac Monitor can do so much to assist Emergency Physician, Dr. Nic Sparrow, at the scene of emergencies.

The Zoll® X Series Cardiac Monitor is a state-of-the-art defibrillator that not only provides the ability to shock patients out of life-threatening rhythms but can also monitor critically ill or injured patients.

The monitor gives vital information that can be critical to the physician’s decisions about procedures at the scene. Overall, the monitor's real-time CPR feedback can help improve survival rates of on-scene cardiac arrests.

Donor Appreciation

The generosity of many contributors that included community donors, Columbia Basin Trust, I.O.D.E, Zoll, and Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation made it possible to finally purchase this $30,000 big-ticket item.

"We cannot thank our contributors enough," said Dr. Nic Sparrow in a media release.

"To get this piece of equipment, [that was more expensive than our emergency vehicle], was a big ask. But as always, the support came through, and I am so grateful."

The device provider, Zoll®, helped sponsor and greatly subsidize the cost while providing us with support and extra equipment.

The Zoll® X Series Cardiac Monitor is a state-of-the-art defibrillator that not only provides the ability to shock patients out of life-threatening rhythms but can also monitor critically ill or injured patients.

The Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation recognized the potential benefit of the equipment to our region and granted funds that made it possible to purchase the item.

"We are very proud to support the Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association with a donation towards a new Zoll® X Series mobile CPR unit," says Jim Iker, Chair, Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation.

"This emergency care equipment will ensure the volunteer physician response program continues to provide safety and wellbeing for all West Kootenay residents."

KERPA's purpose is to save lives and help the most critically ill and injured patients in our region. The cardiac monitor is an essential tool in providing emergency response services to our community. 

Next Steps

With this major project being complete, KERPA is now raising funds to support $5,000 of annual operating costs for medical supplies, medicine and personal protective equipment constantly required for our emergency response. Our Heart’s Desire campaign is open now.

KERPA, a Canadian registered charity that was founded in 2016 with the objectives of saving lives and helping the most critically ill and injured patients in the community, is gratefully accept donations through its website www.kerpa.org

Categories: GeneralHealth

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