Employees meet with emergency responders

By Josh Arnett
McPherson Sentinel – October 9, 2013

Managers and employees at Hospira’s  McPherson site  met with local emergency responders Tuesday to strengthen  the relationship between the pharmaceutical company and those that use its  products in emergencies.

Hospira makes medical supplies, such as IV tubes and  medication.

This event was Hospira’s fourth annual Science and Technology Day  and gave Hospira employees a chance to meet with local firefighters and  emergency responders and learn about what they do for each other.

“It helps connect our employees with the patients and end users of  our products,” said Jim Searles, director of pharmaceutical development at  Hospira. “That helps us improve our products.”

Searles said talking to the people who administer their products  helps Hospira make those products more user-friendly.

The event is put on by Hospira’s research and development  department. Attendees were able to hear from representatives of Hospira,  McPherson EMS and Eagle Med.

Hospira staff were able to get a close-up look at emergency  vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and life flight  helicopters. They also were able to handle and try on some of the equipment,  such as firefighter gear.

Emergency responders were able to tour Hospira’s McPherson site to  learn about how medications are made.

“That dialogue builds a mutual appreciation for what they do for us  and what we can do for them,” said Andrew Knudten, the site head.

Knudten said the theme of this year’s event was to emphasize what  Hospira staff do every day to improve patient wellness.

Bob Williford, quality director, said Hospira also works with the  Food and Drug Administration to address any drug shortages that might  occur.

“We make sure we’re making the drugs people need,” Williford  said.

Williford also said the government shutdown hasn’t had an effect on  its partnership with the FDA.

www.ksffa.com