Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation receives $1,000 grant from Alliant Energy for purchase of new ambulance jump bags
Alliant Energy grant supports equipment purchase ... Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation recently received a $1,000 grant from Alliant Energy to support the purchase of three new ambulance jump bags, allowing for one for each ambulance. The new bags feature, among other things, modular storage compartments for better organization, multiple carry options for easier transport, and a base that keeps the bag upright during patient care. Pictured above, from left to right, with these new bags is McLain Swauger, EMS Manager; Evie Giesler, EMT; and Samantha Esmann, Critical Care Paramedic. Submitted photo.
The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation recently received a $1,000 grant from Alliant Energy to support the purchase of three new ambulance jump bags for the EMS team. A generous private donation to the Foundation provided the remaining funds needed to complete the purchase, ensuring EMS staff have updated equipment in each ambulance to better serve patients throughout the area.
Currently, EMS personnel use 10-year old canvas jump bags on all emergency responses. These bags have limited organization, causing lifesaving equipment to be stored loosely and slowing access during emergencies. The canvas material is difficult to clean and disinfect after exposure to blood and bodily fluids, creating infection control challenges.
The new bags feature, among other things, modular storage compartments for better organization, multiple carry options for easier transport, and a base that keeps the bag upright during patient care. The bags also have a double tarp exterior that improves resistance to bloodborne pathogens and allows more effective cleaning than canvas.
“These improvements will provide faster equipment access, better infection control, and improved patient care outcome for patients served by Veterans Memorial Hospital EMS,” said McLain Swauger, EMS Manager. He continued, “We average approximately 900 EMS runs a year and these bags are deployed on every emergence response. The bags will benefit all residents and visitors throughout Waukon and Allamakee County.”
Alliant Energy is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where Alliant Energy employees, retirees and customers live and work.
“Strong communities depend on dedicated first responders who are ready to help in times of need,” said Leah Rodenberg, Lead Community Affairs Specialist, Alliant Energy Foundation. “We’re proud to support the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s EMS team, helping to provide the tools needed to deliver high-quality emergency care. Partnerships like this are one way we invest in the well-being and safety of the customers and communities we serve.”
The combined support of Alliant Energy and the anonymous donor has provided local EMS crews with equipment that will improve efficiency, enhance infection control, and ultimately benefit every patient they serve.
For additional information about Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation, visit veteransmemorialhospital.com or contact Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator, at 563-568-3411.
