STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY USES FUNDS TO PURCHASE STATE OF THE ART CRITICAL CARE TRANSPORT AMBULANCE
Designed with the latest safety and quality features, ambulance can transport the sickest patients
STONY BROOK, N. Y.,
December 15, 2008 – Funds raised by the Stony Brook University Hospital Auxiliary were us
ed to purchase a new 2008 state-of-the-art critical care transport ambulance for the Department of Emergency Medical Services at Stony Brook University Medical Center.
At a formal dedication ceremony held this month, which was attended by 9 members of the Auxiliary, Auxiliary President Barbara Delfyett said that this ambulance is the third the Auxiliary has been able to secure for the hospital over the past 28 years, and it could not come at a better time. “It is wonderful to be giving something so valuable to the Hospital at this time of economic distress,” she said. “We’re pleased that we could make it happen just in time for the holiday season.”
The new ambulance valued at $139,000, is stocked with a full complement of critical care equipment and medications including ventilators, pacemaker, monitor/defibrillator, portable IV pumps, dopplers, that qualify it for transporting the most critically ill patients. The vehicle has the capability of transporting up to two infants in separate critical care transport isolettes, a single adult or pediatric patient who require critical care treatment, and can transport critical cardiac patients requiring intra aortic balloon pump treatment. It is equipped with a GPS system which relays to the Hospital transfer center the exact location of the vehicle every 30 seconds.
Enhanced safety features for the clinical transport staff include three seating locations with five point harness restraints as well as a second computerized control panel to utilize the built in oxygen and HVAC system, which makes it possible for the clinical staff to remain seated, with seat belts fastened, while clinical care is rendered
“This is a perfect example of strategic funding by the Auxiliary,” said Bruce Solomon, Stony Brook University Medical Center COO. “Working with the Auxiliary, it’s easy to see that they really care about the Hospital and are responsive to the needs of the institution when deciding how to utilize the funds they raise.”
To date, the Stony Brook University Hospital Auxiliary has raised more than $6 million, which has been used to support many employee activities, purchase state-of-the-art hospital equipment and enhance patient care. Some of the Auxiliary’s other contributions include a birthing room, a mammographic ultrasound machine, ultrasound equipment for high-risk obstetrical cases, and life support ambulances.
The Auxiliary derives its funding from the Auxiliary Gift Shop, in-house vendor sales and annual fundraising events such as the “25 Years of Caring” event. Membership benefits include an invitation to the annual luncheon, advance notice of all special events, quarterly newsletters and an annual report. For more information about the Auxiliary, call 631.444.2699.
Pictured at the dedication of the new 2008 critical care transport ambulance are from left, Hospital COO, Bruce Solomon, Auxiliary President, Barbara Delfyett, Emergency Department Administrator, Eric Niegelberg, and Dr. Peter Viccellio, Vice Chairman and Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center.