Advances in medical technology make it possible for emergency room staff at a local hospital to know a patient’s cardiac situation minutes before first responders arrive at the door,

Murray-Calloway County Hospital announced a generous donation will allow emergency medical technicians to gather important heart readings and transmit them directly to the hospital’s emergency room, saving critical time and improving early intervention.

The four 12-lead EKG modems were donated by Jeanne Mathis and Donna and Woody Herndon, bolstering the connection between responders and healthcare providers.

The Herndons worked with the Murray-Calloway Endowment for Healthcare to donate the equipment as part of their 50th wedding anniversary. Mathis, former ER director at the hospital, knew how critical the modems would be to cardiac patients.

“It’s always wonderful to have donors who are able to feel a close attachment to what their donation will provide and we love to work with both the donors and the recipient to make it happen,” said Keith Travis, vice president of institutional development.

The modems will also benefit the upcoming hybrid cath lab/operating room, which gives MCCH expanded capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment to handle cardiac cases.

For more information on the endowment or how to make a donation, contact Travis at 270-762-1908.