Cooper Landing Emergency Services was awarded a grant from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services in conjunction with the State of Alaska Office of EMS in late 2022. The requested funds were dedicated to the purchase of technologies that would enhance the linkage to care for clients suffering substance use/misuse. CLES was able to acquire several significant items that will certainly enhance care for such clients with addiction disorders. CLES relies heavily on community donations and grant monies to fund purchases beyond normal operating costs. We continually strive to provide the highest quality level response to any fire or EMS emergency in the Cooper Landing response area. As such, we are constantly evaluating our tools and technology to ensure we have the most up-to-date reliable equipment that will best serve the community. As we identify deficits or areas of needed improvement, we prioritize funding based on availability and need.
As part of this grant, CLES was able to purchase a Laerdal MegaCode Kelly simulation manikin to aid in training our volunteers in the management of patients suffering substance use disorders such as acute opioid overdose. This manikin has many functionalities that can simulate conditions that can be treated by both basic EMS providers as well as advanced Paramedic-level providers. Training on this manikin will significantly increase the quality of care we provide to this patient population. In addition to the manikin, CLES was able to purchase a subscription to training software that provides online EMS training in many areas including those on substance abuse/misuse to improve caregiver proficiency and knowledge.
Most patients CLES encounters require EKG and vital sign monitoring. Another technology acquired was the ability to electronically transmit all data and vital sign data to the receiving hospital when a patient is transported for further care. This technology will expedite the patient’s care on arrival at the hospital. Lastly, CLES was able to purchase a CPR meter that measures the effectiveness of chest compressions. In recent years, significant emphasis has been placed on chest compressions as a predictor of outcomes for patients suffering cardiac arrest. This new meter will guide the provider to perform the most optimal chest compressions.
Overall, this grant award will significantly enhance CLES’s ability to enhance the linkage to care for patient’s suffering substance abuse/misuse. Unfortunately, the main highway corridors to Seward and the South Peninsula pass through the Cooper Landing response area and as such, CLES sees a significant number of patients annually suffering substance abuse issues. CLES is poised to provide optimal care to this population over the coming years.
