SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Fire Department is implementing a new way to care for sick and injured children.
SFD has partnered with Handtevy, a company that specializes in EMS pediatric technology, to create a new emergency medical care system for kids. It offers a pediatric resuscitation system and a mobile application to reduce the stress that comes with pediatric medical emergencies.
The mobile application provides medical treatment information for firefighters and paramedics within seconds, as well as pediatric medication dosing and tools to help responders perform CPR and defibrillation and document care.
“This new system puts critical, life-saving tools and technology in our Paramedics’ hands,” Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said. “Pediatric and neonatal emergency calls are incredibly stressful and emotional for clinicians due to the unique medical needs of children.”
The system’s implementation began this week, with Handtevy’s educational courses being instructed by three specially trained Paramedics under the direction of the SFD’s Supervising Physician Dr. Joel Edminster. After the training is complete, the Handtevy app, checklists, and equipment will be distributed to neighborhood Paramedic Fire Companies.
“Empowering our people with the right tools in the field for a patient and family’s worst day is critical for a successful outcome,” Chief Schaeffer said. “The new technology enables us to deliver consistent and safe pediatric emergency care with confidence.”
This purchase and program enhancement was made possible through funding from the City Council and will be maintained with the support of the EMS Levy.
