Kingsport Fire Department Purchases High Tech Carboxyhemoglobin Cardiac Monitors
KINGSPORT – The Kingsport Fire Department has purchased new LIFEPAK Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator that not only monitor the heart and oxygen levels in a patient but also can check the patient to see if there are elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO). The monitors also have 12 lead and transmitting capabilities to be ready for the future of emergency medical monitoring.
Carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO) monitoring is used to determine if dangerous CO levels in the bloodstream of patients, building occupants and firefighters with possible exposure to carbon monoxide. SpCO monitoring can help determine the course of treatment needed.
Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:
- Dull headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Death
Consistent exposure to CO can cause mental confusion, heart disease, stroke and premature death.
The new monitors meet the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire rehabilitation standard NFPA 1584 that supports on-scene CO assessment of firefighters.
This is some of the latest technology to help the KFD assess and treat victims of CO poisoning, but these monitors will also help protect our firefighters on fire ground and other emergency scenes. Said KFD Deputy Chief James Everhart. Thanks to the Medical Operations Committee of the Kingsport Fire Department who researched and found the right equipment to meet the Citys needs and to the Board of Mayor and Alderman for the funding to help us protect the citizens an visitors in Kingsport.