FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fulton County Medical Center Recognized as RQI Lighthouse for Commitment to Improving Cardiac Arrest Survival
Leveraging innovative, digital CPR learning solution helps elevate delivery of high-quality CPR
MCCONELLSBURG, PA., Nov. 16, 2021 – Today, Fulton County Medical Center was recognized as an RQI Lighthouse Organization, joining an exclusive group of hospitals from around the country that demonstrate resuscitation, quality improvement and patient care best practices using the Resuscitation Quality Improvement® Program (RQI®).
This distinction is awarded to participating RQI hospitals that advocate for quality and a culture of resuscitation excellence and serve as a beacon to other organizations looking to improve their resuscitation programs and patient outcomes. With a reputation for superior quality and efficient processes, RQI Lighthouse Organizations align with the RQI mission to eliminate preventable death from sudden cardiac arrest.
“At Fulton County Medical Center, our mission is to continually improve the health of our communities,” said Mike Makosky, Fulton County Medical Center president and CEO. “Participation in the RQI program helps us work toward that goal by increasing the CPR competency of our FCMC team. I am happy that we can provide the gold standard in CPR training to our community.”
Each year, it is estimated that 292,000 in-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States, with survival rates at less than 26%. Patients who suffer a cardiac arrest must receive the highest quality CPR possible, which is known to be the cornerstone for survival; however, certain studies show CPR skills can decay within three to six months following this training.
Fulton County Medical Center introduced RQI, an innovative, digital CPR learning solution, in fall 2019 to help shift and advance transformation of the standard of resuscitation care for in-hospital cardiac arrest. Co-developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical, the program helps healthcare providers achieve sustained mastery of high-quality CPR skills and competence through more frequent learning experiences, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
RQI prepares Fulton County Medical Center’s providers, including nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, to deliver high-quality CPR effectively and efficiently and verifies competence in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Course instruction is implemented through quarterly self-directed, competence-based, simulation mastery learning and performance provided through cognitive and hands-on CPR quality improvement sessions. Currently, 250 healthcare professionals are enrolled in the program.
RQI is delivered by RQI Partners, the partnership between and service provider for the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to a world of longer, healthier lives, and Laerdal Medical, one of the world leaders in medical simulation and resuscitation training.
“We enthusiastically welcome Fulton County Medical Center to the RQI Lighthouse Class of 2021,” said Elizabeth Malin, impact manager at RQI Partners. “A small, critical access hospital is making a big impact and serving as a stellar role model! The Fulton County team has fully embraced RQI and exemplifies how to pivot from the CPR learning status quo and incorporate the program into its culture. They foster an inclusive learner environment to deepen the number of providers who are equipped with the competence and confidence to render lifesaving intervention. And staff members are willing to have peer-to-peer conversations to help influence and expand program adoption. Undoubtedly, Fulton County is committed to making high-quality CPR a priority and furthering our shared mission to improve patient care and help save more lives.”
To learn more about the RQI program and the value it brings to hospitals, patient care and communities at large, visit www.rqipartners.com.
About Fulton County Medical Center
FCMC is a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, which owns and operates a 21-bed critical access hospital, level IV trauma center and 67-bed skilled nursing care facility. Founded in 1949, FCMC is located at 214 Peach Orchard, McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. FCMC has an active medical staff of nearly 100 physicians, over 350 employees and sixty active volunteers. For more information visit FCMC online at www.fcmcpa.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling +1 800-AHA-USA1.
About Laerdal Medical
Laerdal is dedicated to our mission of helping save lives. For more than 60 years, Laerdal has remained a world leader in healthcare education, training and therapy solutions. Laerdal develops products, programs and digital solutions designed to increase survival and improve patient outcomes. By implementing evidence-based solutions within the areas of resuscitation, patient safety and global health, we address the changing needs of healthcare organizations and help build competence of healthcare providers, educators and lay rescuers. Together with our partners, we believe we can help save one million more lives, every year. Laerdal is a global company in 25 countries worldwide with the head office located in Stavanger, Norway. For more information, visit www.laerdal.com.
About RQI Partners LLC
RQI Partners LLC is a partnership between the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical, positioning the organizations to deliver innovative solutions that accelerate the impact of their lifesaving mission. The company blends the AHA’s leadership in science and resuscitation education with Laerdal’s expertise in technology and implementation to deliver impactful and innovative resuscitation quality improvement programs. For more information, visit www.rqipartners.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
CONTACT: Fulton County Medical Center
Media: A. Misty Hershey, 717-485-6115
Director of Community Relations & Community Benefit
mhershey@fcmcpa.org
