Provided by the Town of Zionsville
The Zionsville Fire Department has unveiled four newly acquired state-of-the-art CPR devices. These devices enable firefighters to mechanically perform CPR on patients.
The Lucas 3 chest compression device is designed to provide consistent, high-quality mechanical chest compressions that meet the American Heart Association standards for rate, depth and speed during CPR. The device reduces the burden and risk for first-responders and allows them to focus on patient care.
“It can be a challenge to maintain quality CPR to a cardiac arrest patient manually,” says EMS Division Chief Steve Gilliam. “The device provides quality, consistent CPR and allows for fewer pauses because of no longer having to switch rescuers.”
The device allows first-responders to keep CPR going while a patient is being moved.
“Quality CPR cannot be done to a person in a moving ambulance,” Gilliam says. “This device is designed for use while moving the patient so the compressions are maintained no matter the situation.”
The four devices cost $73,000. Funding was provided entirely by Zionsville Fire Department revenue from EMS ambulance transportation. During the July 15 Zionsville Town Council meeting, the Council approved an additional appropriation to fund the lifesaving equipment.
A device will be placed on each of ZFD’s three frontline ambulances.
The fourth device will be placed on the reserve ambulance that often covers special event details such as high school football games.
According to Division Chief Gilliam, the devices are relatively easy to apply. Last week, all shifts began participating in a review training. Following the training, the devices will be placed on ambulances and ready to use.
“We are constantly working towards providing the best care possible. Our EMS Committee has done a tremendous job in ensuring we are ever-improving,” says Fire Chief James VanGorder.
