Traverse City Fire Department enhances emergency care with new video laryngoscope

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Traverse City firefighters and paramedics have a new tool to aid in life-saving efforts during emergencies. The CuraPlex One scope, a video laryngoscope, was recently introduced to the department, providing enhanced capabilities for intubation procedures.

"Obviously, we hope nobody experiences an emergency where they need it, but if they do, we absolutely want to be able to provide them with the equipment that's going to give them the best outcome," said TCFD Firefighter and Paramedic Cole Kushner.

The device, equipped with a tiny camera, allows paramedics to clearly see the windpipe, increasing the success rate of inserting the tube on the first attempt to about 90%. This is crucial in situations where every second counts, such as in cases of cardiac arrest where paramedics need to breathe for the patient.

"So typically we're going to be tubing people who are unconscious. A lot of the time it's going to be a cardiac arrest situation, somebody who we have to breathe for," Kushner explained.

The new equipment is especially beneficial in challenging environments, such as dark or cramped spaces. "We could be in someone's house where the lights don't work, the light bulbs are burned out, dark hallway, dark bathroom. The situation is totally different. You could be in the backseat of a car after a car accident," Kushner said.

Kathryn Dunklow, Administrator of Traverse City EMS, expressed her enthusiasm for the new tool. "Honestly, it's a little emotional for me because this is something, EMS is near and dear to my heart and caring for the community is really important to me, but also we need to care for the people that care for us too, right?" she said.

The department has acquired two of the new devices, which automatically record each use for evaluation and training purposes. Dunklow emphasized the importance of community support in acquiring such equipment. "We are so humbled to be supported in the way that we are by our community. Stuff like this just can't happen without their support and it's so important. So we want to make sure that the community knows that we're using this to help benefit them and their money's going toward a good thing," she said.

As Traverse City Fire Department prepares to become the primary EMS transport provider, the introduction of the CuraPlex One scope marks a significant step in enhancing their emergency response capabilities.