SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Philip W. Faris, Jr., president and CEO, Vidacare Corporation, today announced the appointment of Mark J. Reis, EMT-P, and Melissa Sally-Mueller, RN, as clinical application specialists. This new team of specialists will support existing Vidacare customers with ongoing training, protocol development, and clinical utilization.
Vidacare is the maker of the EZ-IO® Product System, the leading intraosseous solution for immediate vascular access when conventional intravenous access is challenging or impossible. Intraosseous (IO) infusion provides a direct conduit to the blood stream through the bone and is gaining widespread acceptance as an alternate route to administer IV drugs and fluids. Vidacare’s lithium-battery powered EZ-IO® drivers and patented needle sets offer healthcare professionals an IO option that is stable and secure, delivering needed fluids and drugs to patients in just seconds.
Mark J. Reis, EMT-P, is the former deputy director of New Orleans Emergency Medical Service (EMS). He was instrumental in the reorganization, deployment and direction of New Orleans EMS services before, during and after Hurricane Katrina.
“The New Orleans EMS staff use the EZ-IO® on a routine basis to treat patients who need fluids and drugs infused quickly, and our service realized the critical need for this product in many different types of emergencies. It’s unparalleled in its ability to help save lives in these situations,” said Reis.
Melissa Sally-Mueller, RN, joins Vidacare from LifeNet Air Medical Services in Kansas City. There, Melissa was a flight nurse, base chief, and program development manager. A holder of dozens of critical care and professional certifications, she is an EMS educator and nationally known expert, speaking at numerous healthcare events each year.
“I am thrilled to join Vidacare’s dedicated, professional staff, and am looking forward to spreading the word about the EZ-IO®,” said Mueller. “The EZ-IO® was a real necessity at LifeNet. After our people had the opportunity to use it in the field, they never wanted to be without it. It’s that important for patients who need immediate vascular access.”
Reis earned his bachelor of science degree in business management from University of Phoenix, Metairie, LA, and is pursuing his master’s degree in business administration. Mueller earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Grand View College, Des Moines, IA, and her master’s degree in healthcare administration from Des Moines University.
About Vidacare and the EZ-IO® Product System
The EZ-IO® product system by Vidacare is the best product for immediate vascular access when conventional IV access is difficult or impossible. The EZ-IO facilitates the administration of fluids and drugs to the patient securely, easily and quickly. EZ-IO’s superior design yields an ease of use that allows vascular access with minimal trauma to the patient tissue or bone. Its unique design allows the user to know precisely when the insertion needle has entered the intraosseous space giving them superior control, even in the most difficult cases. EZ-IO allows emergency medicine professionals to work expertly to securely attain vascular access in seconds. The result is the ability to achieve required flow rates safely and with confidence. EZ-IO can help improve the clinical excellence of the EMS and the hospital, ultimately becoming a contributing factor in saving patients’ lives. Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, Vidacare was founded in 2001. For more information, visit www.vidacare.com.