Ensuring Availability of Modern Equipment and Technology Wherever It Is Needed

Technology saves lives – but only if it’s in the right place at the right time.

Cardiac events are a leading killer throughout the United States, including across the Upper Midwest. That's why Helmsley has equipped thousands of first responders with modern, life-saving equipment. These include state-of-the-art connected Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) as well as LUCAS chest compression systems to aid in CPR, and the training needed to use them effectively until the patient can get to definitive care. More recently, Helmsley support enabled the launch of emergency vehicles equipped with ECMO technology for the most severe cardiac cases. We’ve also funded a trial of remotely-performed robotic cardiac intervention, which has the potential to transform the accessibility of specialty cardiology care nationwide.

Helmsley has also worked to enhance statewide systems of cardiac care by supporting the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program. This work started in 2010, when Helmsley began funding Mission: Lifeline STEMI in seven states to connect the dots between faraway heart attack victims and emergency treatment, aiming to improve outcomes for those suffering the most serious heart attacks and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. In three states, Helmsley also supports Mission: Lifeline Stroke, which has a similar goal of reducing time to treatment and improving quality of care through a more seamless system of care.

Quality care close to home means ensuring that rural hospitals have modern x-ray technology. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Helmsley enabled 50 hospitals to update and upgrade their radiology equipment – some of which had dated to the 1960s. Additionally, 79 hospitals received new CT scanners thanks to Helmsley’s support. Previously we focused on mammography so that no woman needed to drive more than 60 miles for life-saving screenings.

Our Rural Healthcare program both responds to the needs of today, while testing promising innovations that can transform how people receive care tomorrow.