Paramedics from the Covington Fire Department are using new chest compression machines to help save more lives. The technology is a safer, more efficient way of getting someone whose heart has stopped to start back up again.
As hard as they try, paramedics’ hands can’t match the efficiency of a machine when applying CPR. The fire department now has six Stryker Lucas 3 mechanical chest compression devices, and has ordered a seventh.
“It’s just going to continuously do chest compressions. And we do everything around that including defibrillation, intubation, and all that stuff,” said Assistant Fire Chief and head of EMS Operations David Geiger. “It’s doing the work of two or three providers, and allows those three providers on scene to focus on those other things, because they offer that ability to provide perfectly timed, perfect depth compressions with every compression. And they don’t get tired.”