ST. LOUIS, MO, October 27, 2011 – The St. Louis Public School District’s Division of Career & Technical Education has received 28 GE MACpc electrocardiogram (EKG) machines from Biomedical Systems to support Health Sciences programs at Gateway Institute of Technology High School, Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, and Beaumont Technical High School.

The donation, valued at more than $26,000.00, will help students learn about the heart’s electrical activity. Specifically, the GE MACpc EKG machines will show students:

·         How fast a heart is beating

·         Whether the rhythm of a heartbeat is steady or irregular

·         The strength and timing of electrical signals as they pass through each part of a heart

Professionally, doctors use GE EKG machines to detect and study many heart problems, such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. 

“Our goal is to introduce the students to the medical profession by giving them our EKG machines for a hands-on medical experience.  Our hope is that this experience will encourage the students to consider a career in the medical profession,” said Ray Barrett, Founder and Chairman of Biomedical Systems.

Because the GE MACpc EKG machines are hospital grade, acquiring signals from 12 leads simultaneously and analyzing them with an interpretive program, Biomedical Systems provided set-up and professional training during the summer to instruct teachers on how to incorporate the technology into their curriculum.

The four Career & Technical Health Sciences programs that will benefit from the use of the GE MACpc EKG machines donated by Biomedical Systems include:

·         The Emergency Medical Technician -Basic (EMT-B) program offered at Gateway Institute of Technology. The EMT program is certified as a training entity with the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) and has also been certified as a Training Center with the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI).  Students enrolled in this program can receive certification in First Aid and CPR as well as attend Homeland Security/FEMA Incident Command System classes.

·         The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offered at Gateway Institute of Technology, Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, and Beaumont Technical High School. The CNA program trains prospective healthcare professionals to help people with their healthcare needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. CNAs can work in hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, residences and assisted living facilities.

·         The Rehabilitation (Physical) Therapy program offered at Gateway Institute of Technology and Clyde C. Miller Career Academy. The purpose of the program is to prepare a student for employment as an allied health aide, occupational therapy aide, or physical therapy aide—and for future education in allied healthcare.  Rehabilitation (Physical) Therapists help patients, including accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions improve mobility, relieve pain and limit permanent physical disabilities.

·         The Respiratory Therapy program offered at Beaumont Technical High School.  Respiratory therapy helps treat chronic respiratory diseases which affect a person’s airways and other structures of the lung. Students enrolled in the program receive specialized instruction in airway management, CPR, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, medical terminology, and the history of respiratory therapy.

The St. Louis Public School District’s Division of Career & Technical Education offers Health Sciences programs to students AND adults throughout the school year. To learn more, or to enroll, please call (314) 345-5715.

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