On behalf of the Trident Health Resources, Inc., I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all perfusionist professionals who dedicate their time and skills in saving the lives of others by their commitment to a job that isn’t always easy or celebrated, but one behind the scenes and of tremendous importance. A tip of our Trident hat and waves of thunderous applause! The purpose of National Perfusion Appreciation week is to raise public awareness of the value of perfusionists and to educate the public about the important role these professionals play in helping to meet the health care needs of our citizens. Join me in honoring those who care for the heart patients with the greatest of efforts. Our appreciation for these professionals is present not just during this special week, but also at every opportunity throughout the year.
We contacted AmSect for a historical perspective of National Perfusionist Appreciation Week… how it started and how other parts of the country honor their own. We were initially disappointed to find little written on this event and very little known about it, other than it occurs each May and was established in 2000 by the organization.
A phone call was made and in follow up correspondence received today, we were provided the following from American Society of Extracorporeal Technology:
“For over 50 years, perfusionists have followed in the footsteps of John H. Gibbon, MD and his wife Mary Gibbon. The first experimental heart-lung machine, built by Dr. Gibbon in 1937, used two roller pumps. One of its first successful uses involved the capacity to replace the heart and lung functions of a cat.Considered the inventor of the heart-lung machine, Dr. John Gibbon also performed the first successful human open heart procedure. On May 6, 1953, while a machine was utilized to maintain life while the surgery was performed, a hole inside a human heart was closed. While Dr. Gibbon prepared the 18-year-old patient, his wife, Mary Gibbon, prepared the heart-lung machine for operation. Mary Gibbon is therefore considered the first ‘perfusionist.’ The patient was connected to the heart-lung machine for 45 minutes. For 26 minutes the heart-lung machine completely supported all circulatory and respiratory functions.”
Also, with permission from AmSect, we are sharing the image of the poster that the organization gave this year to all its members in honor of National Perfusionist Appreciation Week 2009.
To recognize the fine work of Trident Health perfusionists, a company letter is being sent to each individual with heartfelt acknowledgment of the special characteristics of our group of people, which include:
- A number of Trident perfusionists have been with us since the inception of the company’s existence, 21 years. Long-term commitment to a job and one company speaks to the kind of services hospital facilities need and can rely on. Our long-timers make us very proud for the quality of experience we are able to give to our client accounts. Those who are new to the industry are embraced and mentored by our elder experienced perfusionists. The cohesion of our team is strengthened through this process and our new employees in recent years have made a remarkable difference.
- If things ever go wrong, from a processing glitch of paperwork, or a scramble to respond to an emergency need across the country, our perfusionists have demonstrated tremendous agility and flexibility to put priorities in place and tend to whatever is needed. We appreciate perfusionists who were there in times of need and when we’ve had to really jump through hoops quickly to solve a critical issue, simply amazed by the teamwork that emerges in crisis. This underscores a patient-focused care philosophy of our company.
- Trident offers opportunities to its employees for ongoing training and we appreciate the zest our people show in pursuing knowledge and staying abreast of new technologies, protocols and systems to be the best they can be. Whenever a Trident perfusionist attends a conference or training, we ask them to report in writing on their experience to share wisdom with other team members, and insodoing, we are able to all grow and learn continuously.
- Trident has several perfusionist positions which are part of our Elite Traveling Team. Our professionals have traveled to new locations, moved their families, and made major life changes in alliance with their work and the goals of the company. This is truly evidence of commitment and it is appreciated immensely.
- The rewards of being an employee-focused, patient-first company are great for us. We do not usually utilize the services of temporary, independent contractors. All perfusionists, for the most part, working for Trident are fully employed, eligible for benefits and the commitment runs both ways from us to them, and perfusionist to company. As such, there is a sense of union, of family, of belonging. We have long known that this makes a vast, positive difference in services we provide. We are grateful for the letters of accolades we have received over time reflecting the positive experiences reported by hospitals and also by our employees, who truly feel good about their working relationship with their employer, Trident.
Thank you all for a job well done.
Sincerely,
Ralph E. Jordan
CEO & President
Trident Health Resources, Inc.
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