Mary Lanning Healthcare Gets New Defibrillators Through $250,000 Donor Push

The Mary Lanning Healthcare Foundation recently raised the $250,000 needed for new defibrillators for crash carts at MLH.

Susan Meeske, MLH Foundation Chief Development Officer, said the special project was funded by the MLH Foundation Golf Tournament proceeds, providers and other major donors and a Rural Health Transformation Project (RHTP) grant. The project took about a year to complete.

MLH's old defibrillators — which deliver an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in case of sudden cardiac arrest — were aging and in need of updates. The new ones purchased are advanced technology that is faster and easier to use. They provide real-time information on the patient's heart rhythm to help determine the next step.

"The Foundation wants to thank everyone involved in helping with this special project," Meeske said. "The purchase helps us assure that our non-profit, independent organization continues to provide the best care possible, here at home."

The defibrillators are also equipped with electrodes specifically designed for pediatric patients. This, coupled with real-time pediatric analysis, provides better care for pediatric patients.

Robin Lauder, MSN RN CEN, Director of Emergency Services, said the new equipment will be helpful.

"Rapid defibrillation of deadly heart rhythms is key to increasing the odds of survival for cardiac arrest patients," Lauder said. "The new updated defibrillators are easy to use with enhanced safety features. We are grateful for the outpouring of community support in this project!"