Pulaski County EMS staff demonstrated recurring failures with ZOLL monitor pulse-ox and fiber-optic cables and the Board of Commissioners approved replacing the current cables with more robust “rainbow” cables for multiple monitors.
The change matters because functioning monitor cables are essential for on-scene diagnostic monitoring, cardiac care and defibrillation; staff said recurring cable failures can degrade patient care during high-call volumes.
Paramedic Natasha demonstrated how the existing fiber-optic pulse-ox cord frequently kinks and breaks after repeated use, and she showed a proposed thicker “rainbow” cable intended to resist kinking. The quote presented covered replacement cables for three monitors; staff noted the county has four monitors, with one kept in training. Natasha described the monitor capabilities—pulse-ox, blood-pressure and 12-lead cardiac monitoring, pacing and defibrillation—and said reliable cables are critical for efficient diagnostics and care in the field. “This can completely restart someone's heart,” she said while demonstrating the monitor’s defibrillation and pacing functions.
A motion to purchase the upgraded cables was made and seconded on the floor, and the board approved the purchase on a voice vote. Staff said they will keep a spare monitor in training and replace active units’ cables to reduce failures.