Volunteers’ Donation Helps Horizon Health Assess Lung Health

The Paris Community Hospital (PCH) Volunteers are helping enhance patient care at Horizon Health.

Their donation of a medical training device called an arterial stick arm trainer will help respiratory therapy staff refine their skills when obtaining blood from an artery. The lifelike human arm allows staff to practice locating and accessing arteries for blood gas analysis, which evaluates oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in the blood.

An arterial blood sample is crucial for assessing a patient's respiratory and metabolic status.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Cicely Taylor, Horizon Health respiratory therapy manager. “I’m so appreciative to the Volunteers. Their interest in our organization is phenomenal.”

Staff will use the device for annual competency assessment. Additionally, it will be used to train new hires and healthcare students and for community education.

“This is another good tool in our toolbox,” Cicely added. “It will allow for one-on-one education and ensure we are proficient in performing arterial blood gas testing. Our goal is to always draw blood on the first try, not through multiple attempts, if possible.”

The PCH Volunteers, who staff the hospital gift shop, support Horizon Health projects and provide healthcare scholarships for area students. To become a volunteer, call Kim Macke at 217-466-4295 or visit MyHorizonHealth.org/Volunteer.