In The News

Pacific Open Heart Association funds Cough Assist Ventilator for the ICU

October 5: Brian Symonds and Ed Dezua, volunteers with the Pacific Open Heart Association generously presented a cheque for $4000 to the ICU for the purchase of a Cough Assist Ventilator. The ventilator is essential for patients who have difficulty clearing secretions because they can’t independently perform a cough due to muscle weakness from injury or infection. The machine works by blowing air into the lungs and pulling it out quickly to clear mucus, similar to a normal deep breath or cough.

Respiratory Therapist Dave Wallace (Clinical Practice Lead at RMH) was on hand to demonstrate the machine and answer questions.

POHA is a member based charitable organization aimed at supporting people who have had open heart surgery in British Columbia.