Every Rotarian can make a difference, but when we work together, the possibilities are endless. For example, three clubs in Region 1 (Cairo, Greenville and Coxsackie-Athens) partnered with Greene County Paramedics to bring “cutting-edge medical technology” to every area of Greene County.
Cairo, Greenville and Coxsackie-Athens’ Rotary clubs raised nearly $10,000 to purchase five IV warmers, and Greene County Paramedics added an additional $8,000 or so. Cairo Club President Beau Loendorf stated, “Originally our goal was just to raise enough money to purchase one. We knew that even one could save lots of lives. After lots of fundraisers and a multi-club support initiative, we were able to raise enough money to get all five squad cars one."
Thanks to the work of these clubs and partners, Greene County is the first in seven counties in the region to own IV warmers, which is the newest technology used to treat patients being transported by paramedics to a hospital.
According to an article featuring the collective effort in the UpStater, Chief of Operations for Greene County Paramedics, Steve Near, explained that, “When patients are given IV (intravenous) fluids, the liquid is significantly cooler than body temperature, so warming it up would be beneficial.”
Near told the UpStater that the IV warmers will be valuable when responding to, “skiing accidents, hypothermia and major traumas, especially in colder weather,” while adding that they can be beneficial for just about any situation.
The idea for this effort was introduced by Cairo Rotary Club, who raised $4,000. They also reached out to neighboring Rotary Clubs, with Greenville raising $3,000 and Coxsackie-Athens jumping on board, raising $2,500.
Kudos to our friends in Cairo, Greenville and Coxsackie-Athens. To read more about the effort, visit https://theupstater.com/greene-first-in-region-with-cutting-edge-technology.
Pictured above from left with the IV warmers are Greenville Rotary Club Past President Cecile Plattner, Cairo Rotary Club President Beau Loendorf and Coxsackie-Athens Rotary Club President Sam Pigeon.