CPR Mannequins Added to Simulation Lab
Endowed funds are one of the tools the HaysMed Foundation uses to finance critical projects or accelerate the timeline on planned projects. In an endowed fund, a donor establishes an amount of funding for a specific purpose. The principal amount of those funds remains intact to ensure indefinite support, and the income the fund generates through investment is used as needed. The HaysMed Foundation stewards nearly 50 endowed funds ranging in size and purpose. These funds allow donors to the HaysMed Foundation to address needs about which they are passionate on an ongoing basis in a flexible and rapid way.
A recent example of this type of project happened when Critical Care Educator Todd Brungardt approached the Foundation with the need for two new training simulators, commonly known as Resusci Anne Mannequins, to replace the older mannequins that did not meet the American Heart Association (AHA) training guidelines. The updated AHA guidelines stipulate that all CPR practice and testing must be performed with audio and/or visual feedback for optimal quality and timing. The new guidelines are based on a recent study reporting a 25% increase in survival when staff are trained with equipment that provides accurate and realistic feedback.
Through the quick approval and deployment of just over $20,000 of investment earnings from the Bickle Family Endowed Fund, the HaysMed Foundation was able to fulfill this emergent request that was not planned when department budgets were established nearly a year ago. The two new Resusci Anne Mannequins were received and used for their first class in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) at the joint simulation lab located in Fort Hays State University’s Stroup Hall just a few short weeks after the need was identified. Here they were used to certify health care providers from across the region in necessary life-saving skills. The joint simulation lab is a collaboration between HaysMed and Fort Hays State University allowing HaysMed associates and FHSU students alike access to the best modern facilities for training and certification.