CARMEL, Ind. — The Carmel Fire Department is making a life-saving upgrade. It’s equipping first responders with new hands-free technology that delivers CPR without missing a beat.
“It can look violent,” said Carmel Fire Department Public Information Officer Tim Griffin. “That’s one thing — don’t be shocked.”
Violent as it may look, the “LUCAS” device is used to save lives by mechanically giving chest compressions to people in cardiac arrest. The device is believed to enhance both patient care and firefighter safety.
“Our firefighters are well-trained,” Griffin said. “They do great CPR. But this is a device that can help them, assist them, free hands so they can be doing other things during that CPR.”
Griffin said all five CFD ambulances are now equipped with a LUCAS device so first responders no longer need to stop giving chest compressions to move a patient.
“It’s not long durations that we have to stop, but 10, 15, 20 seconds, that makes a difference,” Griffin said.
Also, unlike human hands, the machine doesn’t fatigue or lose rhythm. The City of Carmel trialed the gadget for six months, and the department reported that it quickly proved to be a valuable asset. So, the City and Hamilton County Health Department invested in the community, which sees dozens of cardiac arrest runs throughout the year.
“As the fire service and EMS moves forward just like technologies move forward, we need to stay with those, keep up and make sure we’re implementing the best life-saving techniques and technologies,” Griffin said.
Griffin hopes this upgrade also serves as a reminder of the importance of CPR certification, adding that no machine can replace the benefit of everyday community members knowing how to give chest compressions too while waiting for professional help to arrive.
“I know you may be thinking, ‘oh, not me, somebody else is going to step forward.’ But if you step forward, you can help save a life,” Griffin said. “And if you do, I believe the person next to you will.”
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