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Jessamine EMS gets automatic CPR machine

Lucas 2 serves as an extra set of 'helping hands'

October 26, 2011|By Laura Butler | lbutler@jessaminejournal.com

Photo by Laura Butler

The Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services crew now has a new tool to use when administering CPR to patients. The Lucas 2, an automatic chest compressor, will act as a set of helping hands to paramedics and EMTs who are performing CPR for an extended period of time.

The EMS team received money to purchase the Lucas 2 from the county’s Emergency Management Agency/CSEPP program, overseen by John¿V. Carpenter, EMS Director Jerry Domidion said. The machine cost about $15,000, he said.

The Lucas 2 is literally a life-saver for medical personnel everywhere, Domidion said.

“It helps in performing chest compressions for CPR,” he said. “It doesn’t get tired like people do, and it performs perfect CPR every time. The American Heart Association just came out and said chest compressions and defibrillation are the most important.”

The second version of the automatic chest compression machine has been around for about two years, and Domidion heard about the machine shortly after receiving funding for new heart monitors a few months ago. The technology for the chest compressor was developed in Sweden, and the machine is designed to perform chest compressions for up to 45 minutes on a single charge of the battery.

“We can sometimes be performing chest compressions for up to 15 minutes bringing someone in to the hospital,” he said. “It gets tiring to continually perform those compressions.”

Domidion said the machine can be used for anyone in the county who fits the criteria but would be ideal for patients in cardiac arrest. Patients’ chests must be at least 7 inches thick, meaning the machine can’t be used on children. Patients must also be small enough to fit within the backboard and the automatic arm.

“Anytime we’ve got someone in cardiac arrest, we will use this machine if it’s accessible,” Domidion said. “If it’s not, we’ll just go back to how we’ve already been performing CPR. It’s a helpful tool to have.”

The county originally asked for three machines but due to budget restrictions could only purchase one. Domidion said he hopes the department will be able to acquire more soon. Other neighboring counties are already using machines, or slightly different versions of the Lucas 2, and seeing great success, he said. Lexington has one, as well as Owen, Carter and Boyle counties. The Lucas 2 could even reduce the need for an extra EMT in an ambulance, which could save the county money, Domidion said.

“By having this equipment, Jessamine County is joining other agencies in the state in the mission of offering better patient care,” he said.

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