When minutes count, new machine can be a lifesaver
by Unadilla Twp. Fire Chief Wendy Hause
The Unadilla Township Fire Department, with help from the Lucas for Lucas Foundation and donated funds, recently purchased and received a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device known as a LUCAS Chest Compression System.
When a patient suffers cardiac arrest and has no detectable heartbeat, effective CPR is the most important procedure that can be given to the person at the start. When emergency responders are on the scene, it requires many people, switching out every two minutes, in order to maintain good compressions. Responders tire quickly when performing lengthy CPR, especially if there are only a few personnel on scene.
The LUCAS Chest Compression System is a machine that is placed on the chest of the patient. Once powered up, it will provide continuous, effective CPR. It doesn’t tire out, and compressions are kept at the rate and depth necessary to keep blood flowing throughout the patient’s body.
The new unit was purchased largely by the Lucas for Lucas Foundation, and supplemented by the memorial donations received in March for retired Fire Chief Mark Schroeder.
The UTFD is very pleased and thankful to now have such an important tool to serve the citizens.
Members of the Unadilla Township Fire Department attend a training session on the new LUCAS device. From left, Dominic Beutler, Lt. Allen Beutler, Susan Bostian, Tanner Barnes, Shannon Beutler, Jacob VanPelt, Austin Green, Assistant Chief Brad Hoffman, Chief Wendy Hause, Mike Reppenhagen, Sgt. Chris Money and Wayne Risner.
A smiling Lucas Vetter delivers a LUCAS device to grateful Unadilla Township Fire Chief Wendy Hause. Lucas learned about the LUCAS devices at the age of 9, when he took a tour of the Howell fire station. After learning how few devices were available locally, Lucas decided to start raising money to purchase one for every Livingston County fire department. As part of that effort, he started the Lucas for LUCAS 501(c)(3) charity. Lucas has met his goal with the LUCAS device provided to Unadilla Township.
Photo credit Kerry Vetter
The LUCAS is a mechanical device to give consistent chest compressions to sudden arrest patients.
Unadilla Township Fire Department members training on the LUCAS device.
The LUCAS is a mechanical device to give consistent chest compressions to sudden cardiac arrest patients. LUCAS stands for Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System.
