OhioHealth Equips Dozens of Emergency Departments with New Technology to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence

OhioHealth is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal violence. This spring, OhioHealth is implementing new forensic technology across more than two dozen emergency departments.

OhioHealth is deploying Cortexflo camera systems from Fernico—a high-resolution imaging technology built specifically for forensic use. They are referred to as SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) cameras. OhioHealth has purchased devices for 26 care sites. In addition, three care sites will be upgraded to new equipment in exchange for old cameras which includes OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center, and OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.

“This technology allows us to capture incredibly detailed images of injuries that may result from sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and other violent acts,” said Sheree Ford, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, clinical nurse manager for Forensics at OhioHealth. “The level of clarity and precision we can now achieve will make a real difference in patient care and in the pursuit of justice.”

Cortexflo provides powerful capabilities and advanced features include:

• High-resolution imaging to detect micro-injuries, which can be crucial in sexual assault cases.
• Contrast filters to enhance faint injuries that might otherwise be missed in photographs.
• Alternative light source capability to detect dried bodily fluids such as semen, saliva and urine—critical evidence in many forensic cases.
• Secure image storage and encryption for safe handling and transfer of photographs during legal proceedings.

The system allows SANE nurses to zoom in closely on injuries, capture more accurate documentation, and support more comprehensive care for survivors.

“We are very excited and thankful to OhioHealth for allowing us to purchase this state-of-the-art equipment,” said Ford. “It speaks volumes that our organization believes in what we do and cares deeply about survivors.”

The installation and software upgrades are happening at the following OhioHealth care sites:

• OhioHealth Berger Hospital
• OhioHealth Canal Winchester
• OhioHealth Doctors Hospital
• OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital
• OhioHealth Emergency Care – Ashland
• OhioHealth Emergency Care – Obetz
• OhioHealth Emergency Care – Ontario
• OhioHealth Emergency Care – Powell
• OhioHealth Emergency Care — Reynoldsburg
• OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital
• OhioHealth Grant Medical Center
• OhioHealth Grove City Methodist Hospital
• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital
• OhioHealth Hilliard Health Center
• OhioHealth Lewis Center Health Center
• OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital
• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital
• OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital
• OhioHealth New Albany Medical Campus
• OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital
• OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital
• OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
• OhioHealth Shelby Hospital
• OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center
• OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital
• OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus

A few care sites—including some community hospitals—have leveraged funding from the OhioHealth Foundation, in partnership with other local foundations, to support the acquisition of this vital equipment, further demonstrating a shared commitment to excellence in forensic care.

By standardizing this advanced technology across its network, OhioHealth is strengthening its ability to support survivors and ensure compassionate, high-quality forensic care is available no matter where patients seek help.

For more information about the OhioHealth’s work to support survivors of sexual violence, please visit: SARNCO | OhioHealth.