Tim Hodge, D.O., Sparrow’s Executive Medical Director of Emergency Services
Published: Aug. 21, 2014
Sparrow and 19 mid-Michigan emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and fire departments have implemented a new system that transmits information about cardiac Patients from an ambulance on their way to the hospital.
The LIFENET technology allows first responders to transmit a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from the field for immediate interpretation. This increases Patient safety, helps reduce time to treatment and improves efficiency.
“We are now able to get crucial information needed to help plan life-saving treatment before Patients even arrive in our Emergency Department,” said Tim Hodge, D.O., Sparrow’s Executive Medical Director of Emergency Services. “Sparrow, in collaboration, is proud to have initiated this project, which will improve the quality of health services for the people of our communities.”
Sparrow and McLaren Greater Lansing partnered to purchase the technology. The Sparrow Foundation funded Sparrow’s portion of the project while the McLaren Greater Lansing Healthcare Foundation provided McLaren’s financial commitment to the program.
“The LIFENET program is a shining example of regional collaboration to improve the emergency medical care offered in our entire community,” said Tom Mee, Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Greater Lansing. “Numerous hospitals, governmental entities, fire departments and EMS providers that make up our regional health care system came together for the betterment of patient care.”
The 19 EMS agencies and fire departments able to transmit information using LIFENET are:
- Benton Township
- Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority
- Delhi Township Fire Department
- Delta Township Fire Department / Looking Glass Regional Fire Authority
- East Lansing Fire Department
- Eaton Area EMS
- Grand Ledge Area Fire Department
- Lansing Fire Department
- Lansing Mason Area Ambulance Service
- Lansing Mercy Ambulance Service
- Lansing Township Fire Department
- LIFE EMS Ionia
- Meridian Fire Department
- Mobile Medical Response (MMR)
- NIESA Ambulance
- Portland Ambulance
- Regional EMS
- Stockbridge Area Emergency Service Authority
- Windsor Township Emergency Services
Sparrow Hospital, McLaren Greater Lansing, Sparrow Hospital’s St. Lawrence Campus, Sparrow Clinton Hospital, Sparrow Ionia Hospital, Eaton Rapids Medical Center and Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital are all able to receive the electronic information.