Patients who experience clinical deterioration that progresses to cardiac arrest are now in even better hands at Werribee Mercy Hospital (WMH) following the donation of a state-of -the-art, automated chest compression device.
Generous support from the Wyndham Health Foundation 2022 Christmas Appeal has enabled the purchase of the first unit of its type at WMH. The unit has been described as a ‘perfect fit’ for the hospital.
WMH Director of Intensive Care Services, Dr Mainak Majumdar, said a vital benefit of the device was that it enabled staff working in such time-critical situations to focus on treating the cause of the arrest without having to do continuous chest compressions at the same time.
“Providing chest compressions is physically very demanding. Staff members performing CPR rapidly get fatigued. Prolonged, effective CPR can require many staff members working together on a single patient.
“Using the Corpuls Chest Compressor, team members can maintain their focus on treating the patient,” Dr Majumdar said.
The Wyndham Foundation’s Chief Executive Leanne Down says her organisation is driven not by accolades but by wanting the best and latest health technology for communities in Melbourne’s west.
“We work hard to raise funds and awareness and I’m very proud of our team but also our supporter, who do their very best to achieve the best outcomes for our community in Melbourne’s west,” Ms Down said.
Werribee Mercy Hospital General Manager Maree Pane said inpatient cardiac and respiratory arrests required a timely response and the expert care of a range of teams but “especially the ICU team.”
“The portable chest compressor is considered an easy and intuitive solution, yet robust enough to withstand our most demanding emergency and cardiac cases.
“We are incredibly grateful for such a generous donation from the Wyndham Foundation of the Corpuls CPR. It offers necessary ongoing solutions for our hospital and the needs of our local community.
“It also enables us to provide timely and responsive urgent care which ultimately can assist in saving lives,” Ms Pane said.
A special guest at last week’s demonstration of the chest compressor was Grade 5 Wyndham Vale primary student Calista Aves who suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest at WMH in 2019.
Calista has made an excellent recovery but as her father, Mark, said “While Calista is doing really well, we always want patients to have access to the very best of technology.
“While Calista has few memories of what was then a very difficult time, she will always be grateful to hear of advances in an area which have contributed to her leading a healthy life,” her father said.
Calista’s return to the hospital also enabled paediatric and emergency department staff to pass on their best wishes.
Calista told staff that while she loved school, she also found time for recreational pursuits such as swimming and tennis.
She said she was particularly proud of her efforts in her school’s cross country (running) event.
“I get a bit puffed but I finished the race well,” she said.
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Last reviewed October 2, 2023.
