Geared Up: CCMH donates equipment to Parkersburg YMCA

PARKERSBURG -- If a medical emergency occurs at the Parkersburg YMCA they will be able to better handle it thanks to a donation by the local hospital.

The WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center made a donation Tuesday of medical equipment to the YMCA to help the organization better respond to emergency situations at its Broad Street location.

"We are partnering with the YMCA providing AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) and wheelchairs, much needed medical equipment for the wellness center," said Sean Smith, Camden Clark's Chief Operations Officer. "This is a great opportunity for us to provide equipment they may not have access to otherwise."

The hospital donated four Philips Heartstart FRx AEDs; two Invaxe Blood Pressure Machines with large cuffs; two Medline Durable Steel Wheelchairs (with a 300 lbs capacity each); and four Philips FRx Smart Pads II & Infant/Child Keys.

Equipment like this can be expensive for a non-profit organization to be able to buy on its own, Smith said. People have experienced medical emergencies at health and wellness centers and having this equipment in place can mean the difference between life and death, he added.

"This is lifesaving equipment," he said. "It is very critical for them to have access to this."

Officials estimated the equipment donated to the YMCA on Tuesday costs around $5,000-$6,000 with the AEDs costing around $1,000-$1,500 apiece.

"This is a pure donation," Smith said. "The hospital bought the equipment and donated it to the YMCA."

The equipment makes a safer environment at the YMCA, said Ed Bohren, CEO of the Parkersburg YMCA.

"You never know when an emergency can happen," he said.

Bohren spoke about how having this kind of equipment on hand has saved lives. He recalled three instances at the YMCA at the pool, the wellness center and the lobby.

"There were instances where if we did not have this equipment, it would have been very difficult," Bohren said. "This kind of equipment was able to save people.

"They are lifesaving machines. It is a blessing that we have them here."

He commended the positive relationship between the YMCA and the Camden Clark Medical Center and having this equipment helps both organizations save lives.

"Working together as a team we want to make sure our community members are safe," Bohren said.