PCH Volunteers Donate Respirators to Horizon Health

Paris Community Hospital Volunteers are helping ensure the safety of Horizon Health ambulance crews.

The PCH Volunteers recently donated $5,000 toward the purchase of four Controlled Air Purifying Respirators (CAPRs) that protect responders when treating patients with respiratory illnesses, such as COVID, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The CAPRs resemble a bike helmet but are much more advanced. Each helmet has a face shield with a built-in motor-fan and filter that optimizes protection against the transmission of airborne illnesses. The unit is powered by a rechargeable battery pack.

“We found during COVID that we needed a good supply of N95 masks for long-distance patient transfers,” said Cody Muchow, coordinator of Horizon Health’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program. “The CAPRs have a longer use than masks and aren’t so claustrophobic.”

Most Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff are considered “no fit" for a N95 mask, which must form a tight seal around the face, said Adam Webb, Horizon Health paramedic. Instead, they must use respirators when caring for patients with respiratory illnesses. Unlike N95s, the CAPRs do not require fit testing

EMS currently has two battery-powered air purifying respirators that are a variation of CAPRs but are being phased out, Adam explained.

“The CAPRs can also be used in other Horizon Health departments when EMS is not actively utilizing them,” he added.