First Breath Ventilator Arrives

By George Nianiatus, senior writer/media manager
Communications and Marketing Department
Upper Allegheny Health System

From a young mind sprang an ambitious goal to help others in true need by raising funds which ultimately led to purchasing a ventilator for Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC).

Two years ago Jenna Gorrell, then a Bradford Area High School junior, developed the idea for “First Breath,” a fundraising walk-a-thon for the ventilator.

Through her idea - and several other subsequent fundraising activities - just over $23,000 was raised to buy a ventilator that will be able to treat and save hundreds of lives at BRMC.

A high school student’s lofty aspiration became reality when an Evita XL ventilator was rolled into the main lobby and presented to Penny Oyler, BRMC’s director of Cardiopulmonary Services.

The Evita XL is designed for patients of all ages and health levels. It’s produced by Drager Medical of Telford, Pa., which is a subsidiary of Drager & Siemens Co.

“I’m very excited at the lives this state-of-the-art ventilator will be able to touch positively,” said Ms. Oyler.

With the addition of the Evita, BRMC now has five ventilators, she noted.

“The Evita ventilator will enhance current patient services being provided. This equipment will provide ventilatory assistance or life support not only to infants, but also pediatrics and adults. This piece of equipment will impact the quality of life and positive outcomes of over 1,200 patients in the next five years,” Ms. Oyler said.

“The Evita is designed for anyone of any age and level of sickness,” said Steve Burrell, an account executive for Drager Medical.

A notable feature is the Evita has an automated weaning process. “This automated system, called Smart Care, enables patients to get off the ventilator quicker and reduces their length of stay,” Mr. Burrell said.

Another benefit is having one ventilator for all ages reduces staff training and increases flexibility through versatility of the unit, Ms. Oyler noted.

How the ventilator made its way to BRMC was from a purchasing method considered among the most unique the company has ever seen, Mr. Burrell said.

Shortly after being contacted two years ago about the fundraising method to buy the ventilator, Drager Medical quickly embraced the project. The company invited Ms. Gorrell, Ms. Oyler, Bradford Area High School guidance counselor Steve Mongillo, and Nellie Wallace, who at the time was Bradford Hospital Foundation’s director of Annual Giving but is currently BRMC’s physician and professional recruiter, for a red-carpet plant tour to get a closer look at how the ventilator is made.

“Since then, this was a project everyone fully supported, “Mr. Burrell said.

Others in the Bradford community came to the project’s aid as well to benefit BRMC.

A portion of the proceeds from The Kids and Cancer Motorcycle Dice Run held in 2008 and 2009 were donated to the Bradford Hospital Foundation/Bradford Area High School’s First Breath campaign. For over 15 years the Kids and Cancer event has made contributions to financially support BRMC.

“All I can say is this has been a very rewarding experience for everyone involved with this project,” Mr. Burrell said.

Bradford Regional and Olean General Hospital are members of Upper Allegheny Health System. For more information about Bradford Regional, Olean General or Upper Allegheny, go online at www.brmc.com, www.ogh.org or www.uahs.org.

Shown with the new Evita XL ventilator at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) are (from left) Penny Oyler, BRMC’s director of Cardiopulmonary Services, Bradford Area High School guidance counselor Steve Mongillo, and Steve Burrell, account executive for Drager Medical.
(Photo courtesy of BRMC)