Renos to trauma room at RIH emergency department unveiled

NEWS/ HEALTH — Two new ceiling-mounted medical booms were unveiled in the emergency department of Royal Inland Hospital today, Friday.

They’re part of a recently completed renovation to the ER’s trauma room, which includes ceiling-mounted procedure lights and room renovations.

The trauma room, adjacent to the larger emergency department, has two bays for the care of critically ill or injured patients. Previously, medical equipment was anchored to a floor column at the head of the bed, a location that could provide a challenge for both physicians and nurses who are trying to position equipment to treat patients during the delivery of urgent or emergency care.

Kamloops resident Guy Mercier donated $130,000 for the equipment through the RIH Foundation, which contributed the rest of the $437,000 budget.

The foundation also donated $160,000 for two ultrasound machines and two Glidescopes, which will be mounted on the booms. An  ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create internal images of the body, such as the stomach, liver, heart or blood vessels. A Glidescope aids in airway management and intubation. The RIH Evening Auxiliary donated $50,000 toward purchase of one of the ultrasound machines.

“Time is critical when it comes to treating a patient with emergency or urgent health needs,” said Interior Health board chair Erwin Malzer. “This new equipment will allow our doctors and nurses to save precious seconds by moving the equipment where it is best suited for patient care.”