Community EMS Adds New Life-Saving Technology to Ambulances in Milford

Editor's Note: The following was submitted to Milford Patch by Geoffrey Monks, Paramedic Supervisor of Community EMS.

A new piece of equipment is now being carried by paramedics working for Community Emergency Medical Services on the Ambulances providing Emergency 911 coverage to the town of Milford.  

The new device is called the King Vision Video Laryngoscope, an advanced piece of equipment for performing endotracheal intubations. This device is similar to the technology found in many emergency rooms, including Milford Regional Medical Center, and has been placed on all Advanced Life Support units operated by Community EMS.

“This new laryngoscope is part of Community EMS’s continued commitment to put the most advanced equipment in the hands of our skilled and competent EMS personnel, allowing them to give the best care possible to our patients,” said Don Charest, Chief Operating Officer at Community EMS.

In certain medical emergencies, such as a cardiac arrest, a paramedic needs to insert a tube into the patient’s throat to properly maintain the patient’s airway and to assist them in breathing (this is known as an endotracheal intubation).

Normally a Paramedic must be able to view a patient’s airway directly when performing this procedure, but the anatomical differences between patients can sometimes make this difficult. The King Vision Video Laryngoscope has a small camera and video screen that allows the paramedic a clear view of the vocal cords resulting in a more accurate intubation while minimizing soft tissue manipulation.

Over the last month, paramedics employed by Community EMS have been receiving training on the King Vision Video Laryngoscope. This type of technology is already being utilized in many emergency rooms and having this type of advanced technology equipment available on an ambulance and out in the field, brings a high level of care directly to the patient when needed most in a dire emergency.

For more information about the King Vision Video Laryngoscope, visit www.OwnTheAirway.com