CVH Foundation News:
When Someone Does You a Big Favor,
Don't Pay It Back, "Pay It Forward"

By Joan Miles
Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation Coordinator

Giving is better than receiving because giving starts the receiving process. What you pay forward becomes an investment that will return to you multiplied at some point in the future. You can make a difference!

Through the generosity of community members, staff, and others, Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation (CVHF) was able to "pay it forward." In 2004 we purchased three recliners, and a portable datascope for the oncology department. We also purchased an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Plus Trainer with seven AED Plus units for the CVHC clinics.

Datascope
With the oncology department doubling its number of patients in the past year, three new special recliners were definitely a necessity. The Passport 2 datascope is a patient monitoring product. It can be configured to meet the demands of our oncology department. This mobile unit continuously monitors vital signs and the level of oxygen in the blood.

AED
Thousands of people die each year from cardiac arrest. Many of them die before they can reach a hospital. Now even a layperson can help with the simple-to-operate ZOLL AED Plus. This Foundation purchase makes it possible for you or the staff at any of our CVHC clinics to save lives.

When someone (adult or child) collapses from sudden cardiac arrest, as a rescuer you may not know whether you should perform defibrillation or CPR. Attaching an AED provides an analysis of the person's heart. About half of all victims who suddenly collapse initially require defibrillation. For others however, who may have non-shockable heart rhythms, effective CPR is the critical action needed for survival.

The ZOLL AED is the only AED that helps rescuers perform effective CPR through the entire resuscitation process with voice, graphics and text messages. The rescuer simply follows verbal voice prompts from the AED. The unit automatically detects which treatment a victim needs. If a shock is required, you need only press the shock button for defibrillation. (The AED will not allow the rescuer to deliver an inappropriate shock.)

The goal is to educate and train clinic staff and others in lifesaving first aid, CPR, and AED use. AED training is offered as an addition to our community FA/CPR classes. Students practice realistic device operations through eight preprogrammed American Heart Association scenarios. The instructor can also set up random scenarios with a remote control. The AED Trainer is identical to the AED in look and operation. Screen messages, audible tones, and voice prompts guide the user through all aspects of the rescue from arrival on the scene and calling for help, to administering CPR shock deliver. Combined CPR and AED training is an important investment CVHC is making to protect our communities and help save more lives.

The Foundation and Cascade Valley Hospital staff extends their deepest gratitude and appreciation for your support in keeping quality health care service in our community!

Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation is funded by charitable contributions and memorial funds. Donations to the Foundation are entirely tax deductible. The minimal costs of administering the Foundation are not paid from contributions.

For more information, contact: Joan Miles CVH Foundation (360) 435-2133 ext. 4705 or email joanm@cascadevalley.org

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.

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