New Sacramento Metro Fire Tech Aims To Save Lives

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — It's cutting edge technology that's set to save lives. Sac Metro Fire is rolling out a new piece of equipment using video technology that can better assist them when it comes to helping a patient who can not breathe on their own.

"When we looked at this, it was absolutely a no-brainer, it puts us in line with what the hospitals are using," said Captain Scott Perryman.

Sac Metro Fire is the first agency in the region to invest in video laryngoscopes. They have placed the new tools in each of their ambulances, and helicopter.

"I've been doing this for 34 years and by far this is one of the best tools I've seen come out," said Captain Bryan Thompson.

Thompson is one of the more than 500 paramedics and EMT's who had to be trained on the new intubation device. He has seen first hand how effective this tool can be. Recently he had to use it on a patient who had stopped breathing, had no pulse and was suffering from an asthma attack.

"I was able to look at her vocal chords on the screen within five seconds. With the old method of using laryngoscopes more than likely we would've gotten that intubation as well, but it wouldn't have been as rapid. We wouldn't have done it as fast," he said.

Using a 2-inch H-D screen, not only increases the speed at which intubations are done, but without the video technology, paramedics have had to lean in, within 4-6 inches of a patient's mouth and rely on their eyes to get the air-tube down the throat. And being so close can potentially expose them to vomit or secretions.

"This allows us to insert it into the patient's mouth without getting too close. I can quickly see exactly the area I need to, I can see the breathing tube go directly into their lungs and I'm ready to go," said Captain Perryman.

He adds, "Our success rate of getting the tube down the lungs the first time has increased and this screen allows us to do that."

When it comes to cost, Sac Metro Fire has spent about $30,000 on the new video screens, roughly $1000 each. The screens are saved, but the disposable laryngoscope with the camera lens at the bottom is tossed out after each use.

Before the disposable laryngoscopes cost $6, but now with the added camera lens it's $30.

"If we can save one persons life or better their outcome with this device it is absolutely worth the cost," said Captain Michelle Eidam.

The device was funded through the agency's general budget. It can not be used on children.

But the hope is to get the video laryngoscopes on all the fire trucks as well, and set a precedent to get other agencies to start using them.