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Automated CPR device improves heart attack victims’ survival chancesWhen a call comes in to 911, and subsequently to an ambulance crew, those involved know that every second counts if that person is having a heart attack – the patient must be receiving CPR quickly and effectively to increase their chances of survival. A new device that is being used by the Allina Medical Transportation (AMT) crew in New Ulm increases the patient’s chance of survival dramatically. It is called the Lucas Device and there are only about five groups in the United States who are trialing the automated CPR device since it received federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval about a year ago. The Lucas Device is being used in conjunction with another life-saving tool called the ResQPOD, which AMT crews started using about two years ago. The ResQPOD creates a vacuum in the chest that allows more blood to flow into the heart and the brain. “Early results are showing that with the use of the ResQPOD and the Lucas Device, so far we are seeing the return of spontaneous circulation – the heart starts beating and the patient starts breathing on their own – as much as 46 percent of the time,” said Mark Dascalos, Manager of Advanced Life Support for AMT. “The national average is 5 to 7 percent. The kind of results we are getting with this are unprecedented.” The Lucas Device is a simple enough machine that is fastened over the chest of the victim. It has a large suction cup that adheres to the patient’s chest, is adjusted to the patient’s size, and performs chest compressions automatically when activated. The use of the suction cup also allows for full recoil of the lungs (chest), Dascalos explained, which means the lungs can take in the necessary amount of oxygen. “Though it sounds simple, the Lucas Device assists the paramedics and EMTs in many ways,” Dascalos said. “It delivers consistently timed chest compressions. It also doesn’t get fatigued like a paramedic or EMT would – performing chest compressions is extremely tiring.” It also leaves the rescue crew free to focus on other life-saving actions on the patient’s behalf, such as administering medication and intubating the patient if necessary. Just being free to have time to calmly make decisions about the next critical steps in the process is a big benefit, said John Richardson, manager of New Ulm AMT. All of the New Ulm AMT paramedics and EMTs have been trained to use the Lucas Device, Richardson said. “The New Ulm Fire Department has played a key role in getting this device up and running. They donated the air tanks necessary to use the equipment and they have offered to re-fill the tanks whenever we use them.” The AMT ambulances in New Ulm began carrying the Lucas Device in January this year. The equipment runs around $10,000, Dascalos said, and would likely not be available in New Ulm if not for NUMC’s affiliation with Allina Hospitals & Clinics. |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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