Starke County Commissioners Approve Purchase of BiPAP Equipment

The Starke County Commissioners discussed the purchase of BiPAP equipment for use on the county’s proposed ambulance transfer unit.

The equipment is required by Starke Hospital officials in order to be in service for hospital transfers. A BiPAP includes a non-invasive oxygen mask that assists a patient with breathing.

Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary said the quote that was provided to the commissioners covers adult masks, ventilators and circuits for $4,814.75. The masks are to be the disposable type and they alone cost $200 apiece. The purchase will be made out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund. The commissioners approved the provided quote.

Clary said once the equipment is available, he will need to train staff on its proper use. That could take about a month or so to get every employee trained.

The commissioners are expected to get more information on when the transfer unit would need to be available to the hospital once the Memorandum of Understanding is signed by both the county and Starke Hospital officials.