Health Foundation Grants Equipment to McCook Fire and Rescue

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McCook Fire and Rescue and Community Hospital Health Foundation have collaborated to bring a new emergency pain management treatment to McCook. Colt McDonald, paramedic for McCook Fire and Rescue, worked with Fire Chief Marc Harpham and Medical Director Matt Nielsen, M.D. to submit a grant request to the Heath Foundation for three Nitronox Field Units, one for each ambulance. The Health Foundation granted $11,250 for the equipment.

 

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is an inhalant used for pain management. The medication is widely used throughout the country and is regaining popularity in the United States for initial pain management. Nitrous oxide is useful in pain management situations where placing an IV is difficult or impossible.

 

“Having nitrous oxide on our units would give us another tool in the toolbox to provide rapid pain management in difficult situations. We look forward to having this tool for use in pediatric and geriatric traumas,” McDonald stated in the application. The medication is inhaled and can be self-administered by the patient. It cannot be used in all situations and requires a paramedic skill level.

 

The availability of the medication benefits the McCook community and surrounding volunteer EMS units who may call for advanced life support intercept for patients in need of pain control.

 

Dr. Nielsen oversaw the policy and procedure implement and training in November and December. The equipment was put into service mid-December.