A San Antonio company is helping to save lives in Haiti.
Kinetic Concepts, Inc. has sent two million dollars worth of medical supplies to the earthquake zone, and more help in on the way.
One of the many problems earthquake victims are facing is life-threatening infections from the wounds they've suffered. A state-of-the-art treatment called vac therapy developed by KCI is already in the hands of doctors helping people in Haiti.
"Vac therapy is one of the most advanced wound healing devices on the market," said KCI Professional Education Manager Kate Young. "Haiti right now is prime for wound infections. So these poor patients will now have the opportunity to have one of the most advanced devices on he market available to them and in turn it will be saving limbs and saving lives,"
KCI is partnering with doctors through the organizations of Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) and Project Medishare.
Doctors volunteering in Haiti took several of the Vac therapy devices with them, and they are already being used.
A specialized foam is placed into the wound and then a bandage or dressing is placed over the foam. A vacuum pump pulls extra fluid and bacteria from the wound increasing blood flow and healing.
In addition to the wound healing device, KCI has also donated 240 therapeutic beds.
These beds will provide comfort, pain relief and redistribute pressure for these people who have undergone traumatic injuries so they don't develop bed sores," said Young.
In addition to the medical supplies, KCI and its employees are making a financial contribution.
"Employees have opened their hearts and wallets and have started calling since last week wanting to know what they can do, how they can help. So KCI has agreed to match employee contributions dollar for dollar," said Lulu Olson, KCI Corporate Vice President.
