To save children's lives

The neonatal intensive care unit of the Khmelnytsky Regional Hospital* treats more than 300 babies a year. Sometimes their weight reaches 500-2500 grams. 80% of them need oxygen support. But oxygen, in addition to its therapeutic properties, has many side effects. To get a positive effect from oxygen therapy, it is necessary to determine the oxygen saturation of blood and tissues with a special device - a pulse oximeter. The goal of the project is to purchase two such medical devices for the department.

It has long been known that hypoxia (lack of oxygen) affects all organs of an immature child and has irreversible negative consequences for the infant's further development. Hyperoxia (oversaturation of tissues and organs with oxygen) also has a negative effect on an immature organism.

The pulse oximeter has a special sensor that is attached to the baby and monitors the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood. With this data, the doctor or nurse can adjust the percentage of oxygen given to the child depending on the individual needs of each child. It is also extremely important that premature babies often experience breathing delays (apnea). They can be physiological, due to immaturity, and pathological. This condition can be fatal, and with the help of the pulse oximeter signal, the breath-holding can be recognized immediately and the necessary measures can be taken to get the baby breathing again. In addition, the pulse oximeter shows the baby's heart rate, which is extremely important in the care of premature babies. After all, immature babies often have arrhythmias (interruptions in the heart), which are very difficult to diagnose without monitoring. That is, it is impossible to care for a premature baby without monitoring extremely important indicators, such as blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.

Due to the lack of the latest equipment, these functions are performed by nurses who are on duty around the clock, but it happens that one nurse in the ward can have 4 small patients who need monitoring. We are confident in the nurses, but paying attention to one child, another child may undergo changes that are simply physically imperceptible. And thanks to pulse oximeters, we will hear a signal for help in the first seconds. Is it worth reminding us to help in time?

With devices such as pulse oximeters, we can effectively care for premature babies. Their disability will be significantly reduced and their quality of life will improve. We hope for your support! There is nothing better in the world than a happy child!

*Full name of the hospital: MUNICIPAL NON-PROFIT ENTERPRISE "KHMELNYTSKYI REGIONAL HOSPITAL" OF THE KHMELNYTSKYI REGIONAL COUNCIL.