Memorial NICU Receives Digital CO2 Monitor Donation

GULFPORT, Miss. The Speck and Walker families donated a Sentec Digital Transcutaneous CO2 monitor (TcPCO2) to Memorial NICU on April 22, in memory of their son and brother, Randall Speck. At age 16, Randall was diagnosed with Stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma. It was rare in children and because of the advanced stage of the cancer, the survival rate was virtually non-existent. The Randall Speck Pediatric Special Needs Fund was established through Memorial Hospital Foundation by Randall’s parents, Richard and Carol Speck and his sister, Allison Walker and her husband, Jason.

The donated TcPCO2 allows a clinician to noninvasively monitor carbon dioxide levels. This technology uses a digital sensor that attaches to the skin. The sensor displays the patient’s real time carbon dioxide level within the blood on the screen of the Sentec monitor. Prior to the use of this technology, arterial blood gases would need to be obtained and analyzed to get these values. By trending TcPCO2 levels with the monitor, one can noninvasively monitor the ventilation status of the patient and thereby decrease blood loss, decrease opportunity for infection, and increase patient satisfaction. The use of this equipment is of extreme benefit when caring for a micro-preemie that is already in a compromised state. This equipment will be a useful tool and a great addition for the care of neonates in the NICU.

The NICU clinicians and patients want to thank the Speck Family for their generous donation in memory of Randall Speck.

Memorial Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with the mission to assist Memorial Hospital in “building a healthier community.” In particular, to develop philanthropic support for Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital patients and the surrounding community and to generate a high level of community understanding and involvement in Memorial Hospital’s vision, mission, goals and objectives. For more information on the Memorial Hospital Foundation, contact Foundation President Aimee Robertson at 228-865-3048.

CUTLINE: (L-R) Allison Speck Walker, Atley Randall Walker, Azlyn Elisabeth Walker, Carol and Richard Speck

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