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LUCAS 3 chest compression devices will support first aid in medical emergencies

Last week, Knappa Fire District received two LUCAS 3 chest compression devices purchased with funds donated by Columbia Memorial Hospital.

According to Chief Kurt Donaldson, the LUCAS 3 mechanical devices are proven to improve the quality of chest compressions and increase carbon dioxide levels (a reliable indicator in determining CPR results).

“They can sustain life-saving circulation during prolonged resuscitation attempts,” Donaldson explains. “These machines have been studied extensively and are shown to be safe and effective. They can save patients.”

When the devices are used, they can also expand operational productivity. They remove fatigue, individual variations and psychological factors from CPR, with no need to switch CPR providers every two minutes. In addition, they free up a set of hands to help with other efforts and utilize responders efficiently.

Members of the Fire District trained on the devices March 16. With the size of Knappa’s somewhat-remote service area, having the automated CPR devices may enhance outcomes for patients whose transport to the hospital can exceed 45 minutes from the time of an initial cardiac event.

Chief Donaldson and the Fire District requested funding from CMH in December 2021. The Executive Leadership team funded both devices as a community benefit donation.

The LUCAS 3s will be placed strategically within the Fire District on the two busiest EMS response vehicles.

“Ensuring that a chest compression device can be available for all cardiac events occurring in the area was an easy decision,” says CMH CEO Erik Thorsen. “We were happy to help fund these devices for the good of patients and first responders in our community.”