Zoe Kennedy Foundation Invests $40K in AMAX-4 to Enhance Emergency Asthma Care
The Zoe Kennedy Foundation is thrilled to announce a substantial investment of $40,000 in the AMAX-4 initiative, a pioneering program designed to revolutionize emergency care for asthma and anaphylaxis.
About AMAX-4 and Dr. Ben McKenzie
AMAX-4, developed by Dr. Ben McKenzie, a specialist Emergency Physician at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Ambulance Victoria, aims to address the critical need for rapid airway management in emergency situations. Dr. McKenzie’s dedication to this cause is deeply personal, stemming from the tragic loss of his son Max to severe asthma and anaphylaxis at the age of 15.
The AMAX-4 algorithm seeks to align emergency airway management practices in Victoria’s Emergency Departments with anaesthesia standards, ensuring that endotracheal tubes can be inserted within the crucial 4-minute window to prevent hypoxic brain injury. This approach is essential for managing asthma arrests, where high airway pressures make traditional resuscitation equipment ineffective.
To read more about AMAX-4, visit www.amax4.org
The Investment
Our $40,000 investment will fund the purchase of 940 cricothyroidotomy models from Professor Richard Levitan (USA) to improve emergency training in Victoria.. These models are integral to the emergency airway courses that Dr. McKenzie and his colleagues are implementing. The goal is to equip every Emergency Physician in Victoria with the training and tools necessary to perform time-critical intubation, thereby reducing deaths and brain injuries in young asthma patients.
About the Cricothyrotomy Models
Cricothyrotomy is a critical emergency procedure used to insert an endotracheal tube directly into the trachea through an incision in the neck. This procedure is often a life-saving measure in severe asthma and anaphylaxis cases where traditional intubation methods may fail due to high airway pressures or anatomical challenges.
The cricothyroidotomy models, developed by airway expert Professor Richard Levitan, are designed to simulate real-life emergency situations, providing hands-on training for physicians. These models are highly realistic, allowing practitioners to practice the precise techniques required for successful cricothyroidotomy. By using these models, Emergency Physicians can gain confidence and competence in performing this rare but vital procedure, ensuring they are prepared for any emergency.
The models will be used in comprehensive training courses that include:
Simulated Emergency Scenarios: Practitioners will train in high-pressure environments that mimic real-life situations.
Step-by-Step Guidance: Detailed instructions and feedback will help ensure proper technique and understanding.
Repetitive Practice: Multiple practice sessions will help solidify the skills needed for successful intubation.
The Impact
The AMAX-4 program, supported by Safer Care Victoria (SCV), aims to standardize emergency intubation practices across the state. By providing Emergency Departments with the necessary skills and equipment, this initiative will significantly enhance outcomes for asthma and anaphylaxis patients.
This initiative represents a major step forward in improving emergency care, with potential implications for similar programs across Australia and internationally. Our investment underscores the Zoe Kennedy Foundation's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that make a real difference in the lives of those affected by asthma.
Looking Ahead
We are proud to support Dr. McKenzie's work and the AMAX-4 initiative. This investment not only honors Zoe's memory but also contributes to a future where fewer families experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one to asthma.
For more information about the AMAX-4 program and other initiatives supported by the Zoe Kennedy Foundation, visit About | AMAX4 - LivetotheMax. Together, we can make a difference in asthma care and save lives.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this vital program and its ongoing impact on emergency asthma care.
