The Roseville Fire Department will soon add a new tool to help anyone in cardiac arrest and in need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The LUCAS 3 is an automated CPR machine that will help improve survival rates.
Firefighters will be able perform other lifesaving measures such as clearing airways, administering IV or medication and collecting vital patient health information, as the LUCAS 3 automatically provides chest compressions to the person whose heart has stopped beating.
The LUCAS 3 provides consistent and continuous chest compressions that can continue without needing to switch firefighters every two minutes, which causes interruptions to compressions.
The LUCAS 3 will further improve the Fire Department’s ability to perform several lifesaving interventions during the critical first moments after a cardiac arrest incident, increasing the patient’s likelihood for a positive outcome.
The Fire Department is purchasing the device and all firefighters will receive training; most firefighters are familiar with the LUCAS 3, working closely with Allina Ambulance service, which also has a device.