EMS patients requiring ongoing chest compressions will now have more consistent and continuous chest compressions thanks to the new LUCAS device.

Fayette County EMS, a division of Fayette County Memorial Hospital (FCMH), recently added two LUCAS chest compression systems to its frontline trucks to assist in patient care.

“The LUCAS device takes the place of a responder in providing chest compressions and allows personnel to provide other lifesaving interventions,” said EMS Director Rod List.

A perfect example of this is when a patient requiring chest compressions needs to be moved onto a stretcher for transport to the hospital. Before the LUCAS device, responders would have to stop the chest compressions, move and secure the patient and then resume compressions, explained List. Now the LUCAS device can take over, providing the compressions while responders tend to the patient.

All EMS personnel have been trained on the device and List recently provided training to FCMH Emergency Department Personnel as well. The devices were purchased with funds from the EMS tax levy that was approved in 2018.

From left, FCMH Emergency Department personnel Jackie Wilson, Shawnie Copas and Andrew Martin receive training on the LUCAS device from EMS Director Rod List (center).

https://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/09/web1_9.28.2019-EMS-Adds-Life-Saving-Equipment.jpegFrom left, FCMH Emergency Department personnel Jackie Wilson, Shawnie Copas and Andrew Martin receive training on the LUCAS device from EMS Director Rod List (center).