It may be small but it is a vital tool for treating sick children.
That’s why Happy Tots Cleveland raised money this month to purchase an oximeter for local paramedic Duncan McConnell to tuck into his pocket on the way to remote Mongolia.
The finger-size oximeter, which monitors a child’s oxygen saturation levels and pulse, is a standard item on Australian ambulances, however in Mongolia there is limited equipment for sick kids in rural areas.
Mr McConnell, clinical director of the Griffith University-led Roadside to Nationwide: EMS and Disaster Program, heads to Mongolia next week (28 August) to train doctors in emergency pre-hospital care. The project is led by Griffith University disaster management expert Dr Hamish McLean.
Duncan will personally deliver a paediatric kit, containing the oximeter and airways, to a small clinic near the border with the Russian Federation.
“Kids get sick anywhere – Cleveland or Mongolia – so this donation will make monitoring of a very sick child’s vital signs much easier for local doctors,” Mr McConnell said.
Happy Tots Director Crystal Broomham said: “Our community thought the Griffith University project was making a real difference to lives in Mongolia, especially young children.
“We are delighted to help even in such a small way – even jars of home-made pickles sold out. It is times like this you really appreciate the level of care provided by our paramedics in Australia.”
