Clark County Fire District 6 recently started using a mechanical device called LUCAS to help assist in CPR with patients suffering from a cardiac arrest — replacing the need for manual CPR. Training began in November and the new device has been used on their five main trucks since Dec. 1, according to Eric Simukka, EMS training captain.
“They’ve been deployed a few times, with favorable results,” Simukka said. “The results we like to see are what we call ROSC, return of spontaneous circulation.”
When using the LUCAS device, a trained firefighter will begin performing CPR while the LUCAS device is set up. The device is slid around the chest of the person suffering a cardiac arrest.
Once turned on, the LUCAS device will run for two minutes, administering 110 chest compressions per minute. After two minutes, the machine will signal the operator to pause and check for a pulse.
“Running a cardiac arrest call is time consuming, it’s labor intensive. So if we can free up somebody to help with other tasks, it does help out and the crews love (the LUCAS devices),” Simukka said.
One of the main differences from manual CPR is the ability to use a defibrillator if needed while the machine continues to administer compressions.
While the fire departments are doing their part to help people suffering cardiac arrest or otherwise in need of CPR, Simukka encourages the general public to learn CPR because it could help save someone’s life someday.
CPR training for the public
Across the county, agencies offer various ways for the general public to learn CPR.
“When sudden cardiac arrest is suspected, the most important thing is to mobilize early response treatments and initiate immediate CPR. We know that delivery of immediate CPR saves lives and it can improve the likelihood of survival by two to threefold. So, it essentially doubles or triples a person’s chances of survival,” said Dr. Lidija B. McGrath, adult congenital cardiologist at OHSU’s Knight Cardiovascular Institute. “Everyone should be trained in CPR because bystander CPR can double or triple the chances of survival.”
Hands Only CPR is a method that eliminates the need for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, aiming to make it more accessible to more people, according to the city of Vancouver website. The Vancouver Fire Department has created “Do It Yourself” training kits including an instructional video, two practice mannequins and answers to frequently asked questions. The kits can be borrowed from the Vancouver Fire Department by anyone wishing to learn the skill. To check out a Hands Only CPR Kit call 360-487-7220 or email rod.floyd@cityofvancouver.us.
The American Red Cross of Vancouver also offers CPR classes and certifications, with options for online only or in-person training. Some classes are CPR only, while others include additional first aid training. Classes through American Red Cross do come with a fee. For more information about how to sign up for a class visit redcross.org.
The American Heart Association offers both online CPR courses and access to a CPR class finder. For more information visit heart.org.
