News Release

Office of the Judge-Executive

Shelby County Fiscal Court

News Release

March 15, 2011

Shelby County EMS Welcomes New Life Saving Oxygen Technology

SHELBYVILLE, KY. Shelby County Emergency Medical Services (SCEMS) is preparing to add the latest device in medical technology to its regimen. SCEMS recently received funding from the Healthcare Emergency Response Association as part of the Hospital Preparedness Program Grant for the purchase of new medical equipment. As a result of this funding, EMS Director Todd Early announced the initiation of the CPAP Program, which will utilize 9 new Continuous Positive Pressure Airway Kits (known simply as CPAP).

CPAP will be used to treat patients suffering from asthma, emphysema, and pulmonary edema. Currently, in order to provide a patient with oxygen, paramedics must insert a large tube through the patient’s nose and into their lungs. Early said that not only is this process potentially painful, but it also burdensome to the patient.

Early states, “We’re excited to start using the CPAP’s. It’s always our top priority here at Shelby County EMS to provide the best medical care possible to the citizens of this community. We’re constantly upgrading our medical care capabilities to include the newest technology and life saving techniques.”

Each CPAP is valued at an estimated $1,000 and was made possible by 100% grant funding. SCEMS also received a bariatric stretcher and additional equipment. Training for all new equipment is scheduled to begin in April of this year. Early hopes to begin using these devices by May 1^st, 2011, upon completion of training.

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For more information contact:

Todd Early, EMS Chief of Operations

522 Hospital Drive

Shelbyville, KY 40065

(502) 633-5725

Todd.early@shelbycountykentucky.com