Rural Health Foundation helps EMS improve efficiency with new computers
by Rural Health Foundation (RHF) of Sublette County
May 7, 2017
Sublette County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has just installed five new HP all-in-one computers acquired by the Rural Health Foundation (RHF) of Sublette County to replace outdated ones that were more than eight years old.
"We were limited in our ability to take part in many of the quality assurance/quality improvement initiatives run by the Wyoming Office of Emergency Medical Services," stated Sublette County EMS Director Bill Kluck. "The state’s programs are built on Windows 10, and our old computers could not run them."
Both the Marbleton and Pinedale sites can also now take advantage of a number of programs provided by the state Office of Emergency Medical Services designed to simplify and streamline administrative tasks, such as scheduling and end-of-month reporting. "Before, I was forced to use paper and pencil, but now I’m gradually digitizing my monthly reporting," Kluck said.
The money to purchase the computers came from nearly $20,000 in donations the Sublette County EMS received from participating in health fairs and providing CPR training classes to oil & gas companies. Rural Health Foundation Executive Director Jeanne Brown worked with the Sublette County EMS to close down two non-profits and take over administration of the money last year on the condition that the money is used to support EMS activities, including two annual $500 scholarships given to one student each at the Big Piney and Pinedale high schools. The funds have also been spent for advanced training and to purchase iPads for mobile documentation during ambulance runs.
"We really appreciate everything Jeanne and the Rural Health Foundation have done for us," Kluck stated. "It is a pleasure working with them."
The Rural Health Foundation is a registered non-profit that works to improve the quality and availability of health and wellness services in Sublette County. It is currently in the process of soliciting $50,000 in donations to purchase automatic cot lift mechanisms to protect the back health of EMS workers. "The average weight of patients has increased over the past few decades," Kluck explained, "so when we need to pick them up and put them into the ambulance, we are more likely to throw our backs out than EMS workers were a few decades ago."
People or organizations interested in helping pay for the lift systems can make tax deductible donations online at ruralhealthfoundation.com, or send checks made out to the RHF to PO Box 1709, Pinedale, WY 82941 with instructions that the money be earmarked for the Stryker Power-Load Systems.
About the Rural Health Foundation of Sublette County
The Rural Health Foundation of Sublette County is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that serves as a strong advocate for the citizens of Sublette County to help ensure that our health care systems are of the highest quality, safe, and accessible to all. The Foundation’s vision is "advancing integrated health care services" and its mission is "improving health and wellness services for Sublette County." Call Executive Director Jeanne Brown at 307-683-6066 if you wish to contribute or have inquiries about the organization.
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