When it comes to caring for people who suffer a heart attack or are injured on the ski hill, the first responders at the scene make all the difference.

St. Luke’s McCall knows how important this care is, and has partnered with the local emergency medical services and ski patrol over the years for training and education that brings together physicians, nurses, paramedics and first responders.  

Most recently, St. Luke’s has donated a Zoll AutoPulse device to the Cascade Fire Department and First Responders.

An AutoPulse performs CPR mechanically by providing consistent, continuous chest compressions, maximizing blood flow for a patient suffering a cardiac event.

“Time is of the essence when someone is experiencing a cardiac event,” said Brent Hinck, a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Cascade. “This equipment allows continuous compressions during times when previously we had to temporarily stop for patient transfers.”

St. Luke’s purchased the devices last year for intensive care units and emergency departments in Twin Falls and the Treasure Valley, but they weren’t being used in the larger hospitals, which have more staff on hand.

“They’re a perfect fit for rural areas,” said Mike Birkinbine, St. Luke’s McCall materials management manager.

St. Luke’s McCall’s emergency department received one and Birkinbine was able to gather up two more. Donnelly and Cascade both expressed interest and received the valuable equipment.

St. Luke’s often works in partnership with community organizations in order to help others provide better care to the people they serve. This winter, an adjustable hospital bed donated to the Payette Lakes Ski Patrol was placed at the Little Ski Hill to serve injured skiers during examinations by the ski patrol. The Little Ski Hill is a popular place where local kids learn to ski and participate in an afterschool ski program.

Dan Henderson, St. Luke’s Sports Medicine project manager, helped acquire the hospital bed after he was contacted by the ski patrol. Henderson has worked closely with the Payette Lake Ski Patrol for the past two seasons as they have worked to implement the St. Luke’s Ski Injury Prevention program, which uses software that was co-developed by Henderson to track skier injuries at ski resorts. The software aids in identifying potential hazards and collects data describing the location, potential cause of injuries and the injuries themselves.