Fire and Rescue NSW Central Coast are continuing to help people even after they arrive at hospital through their annual fundraising efforts for the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) Burns Equipment Fund.
Over the years, the annual Central Coast Fire and Rescue Charity Golf Day has raised more than $160,000 for the treatment and care of burns and trauma patients at Gosford and Wyong hospitals. This year around 250 participants teed off at Gosford Golf Club on June 29 after the event was rescheduled as a result of the severe storms in April.
The event raised $3,000. In recent years, purchases from the Burns Equipment Fund have included video laryngoscopes valued at $38,950 for both emergency departments at Wyong and Gosford hospital and also procedural trolleys and trauma beds for Gosford Hospital’s resuscitation bays.
Gosford hospital emergency department nurse manager Mr Matt Robinson said the Fire and Rescue NSW Central Coast donations had made a huge difference to the treatment available for their burns and trauma patients. This year Gosford and Wyong hospitals were both able to purchase a new video endoscope thanks to the funds raised from the last Charity Golf Day.
“The video endoscope allows accurate and effi cient assessment of any damage to the patient’s airway after inhaling hot air in a fi re,” he said. “This equipment prevents unnecessary exploratory surgeries and/or procedures and allows early diagnosis of potentially lifethreatening burn injuries.”
Fire and Rescue NSW acting area commander for the Metropolitan North and event organiser, Mr Brett Davies said it was a chance for the fi re-fi ghters, hospital staff and local community to come together, have fun and raise money for a cause that was very close to their hearts. “All the money raised goes straight into the local hospitals which is important to us,” he said. “We want to keep the money on the Central Coast to help treat those people who live locally and might suffer burns or trauma.”
Media release, 6 July 2015
Lauren Nicholls, Central
Coast Local Health District