Every second counts when a trauma patient is rushed into the emergency room. Vital signs and a patient’s breathing need immediate attention. If the person’s breathing is challenged, intubation may be required – a procedure where an air tube is inserted down the throat to allow oxygen flow in and out. However, there are some people that cannot be intubated due to health issues.

Fortunately, a recent investment of $75,000 from the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, through Hospitals of Regina Foundation, helped equip the Regina General and Pasqua hospitals with advanced respiratory technology called Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) ventilators.

When a patient’s breathing is difficult or painful, it results in very shallow breaths and limited oxygen. Often, a patient can become distressed and anxious, making their situation worse. A BiPAP ventilator is non-invasive, and can detect and adapt to a person’s breathing pattern, providing positive airway pressure into the lungs to help stabilize breathing. It also does not require sedation of the patient, and poses less risk of infection and complications.

“When a trauma patient is trying to exhale, traditional ventilators may sometimes push oxygen, making it difficult to breathe and can cause them to panic,” says Mark Murray, clinical supervisor for respiratory therapy at Regina General Hospital. “The new ventilator learns the patient’s breathing pattern and anticipates when they will inhale and exhale.”

A BiPAP ventilator may be used during treatment of a trauma case or a serious respiratory issue in both children, weighing as little as five kilograms, and adults.

Since 1971, the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation has assisted people and hospital foundations in Saskatchewan with accessing excellent medical care and purchasing innovative medical equipment. This year, their decision to support Hospitals of Regina Foundation’s Trauma Care Campaign was determined by a 22-member volunteer board of directors. According to them, it was an easy decision.

“This gift was our way of supporting Hospitals of Regina Foundation, and ensuring that the people in our community are well taken care of right here in Regina’s hospitals,” says Cindy Xavier, executive director of Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation.

The Kinsmen gift will have a significant impact on improved patient care in Regina’s hospitals. The gift was given in support of the Foundation’s Trauma Care Campaign where GMS matched donations from the community up to $1 million. As a result, it will have double the impact for local health care.

“The support of our hospitals, through community partners like the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, is invaluable,” says Dino Sophocleous, president and CEO, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “Thanks to them, we are able to keep our local health care the best it can be."