Direct selling skin care company Nu Skin's ‘Force for Good Foundation' has once again given support to Starship Children's Hospital by funding several Paediatric Intubation Trainers worth $11,228. It's the second donation the Foundation has given to Starship, the first being $21,500 in 2006.

 

Since its inception in 2006 the Force for Good Foundation has donated more than US$20 million to improve the health, literacy and economic situation of children in over 50 countries around the world. The Foundation's funding comes from a percentage of product sales as well as donations and fundraising from Nu Skin and its distributors worldwide.

 

Nu Skin's New Zealand Country Manager Lani Abbott visited the Clinical Skills Centre to see the new trainers and even practised an intubation on one of the models.

 

“It is an absolute thrill to see how Nu Skin and the Force for Good Foundation have contributed to the Starship Foundation. I am extremely proud knowing that so many people would benefit from being trained on the Paediatric Intubation Trainers,” says Lani.

 

The trainers consist of an anatomically correct child's head and chest, complete with proper airway channels, which allow medical staff to train and practise intubating a patient. This is particularly vital when young patients and newborns stop breathing and need artificial help to stay alive.

 

The six new models (three newborn and three children) will allow several staff members to be trained at a time, saving valuable time while increasing the number of skilled staff.

 

Clinical Skills Centre Coordinator Patricia O'Brien says the new trainers are invaluable.

 

“Starship staff need the chance to learn, practise and review essential lifesaving airway skills using realistic training models. We are so appreciative of the support from Nu Skin and the Starship Foundation that has allowed us to purchase this wonderful training equipment.”