OFR to get new chest compression machines

File photo: Capt. Chris Hickman checks on the inventory of medications in the Ocala Fire Rescue/AdventHealth Community Paramedicine unit at Ocala Fire Rescue Headquarters on Northwest Martin Luther King Avenue in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Ocala Fire Rescue will soon be able to utilize 16 new chest compression devices to provide patients with hands-free CPR.

The devices, called the “LUCAS Chest Compression System,” provide mechanical, consistent chest compressions for patients needing life-sustaining care, allowing paramedics to focus on other aspects of care.

The city of Ocala approved the purchase of 16 LUCAS devices, at a cost of $350,184. The funding was provided in total by an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA.

“Automated chest compression devices provided the chest compressions, which enable providers to focus on other critical patient needs during emergency medical incidents,” said Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn.

The devices can also help to ensure the safety of first responders during the care and transport of patients.

“The ambulance transport environment is inherently dangerous because of high-speed driving, risky maneuvers and hazardous road conditions,” according to LUCAS. “This poses a significant safety risk for the EMS crew who are often standing and unrestrained in a confined space while performing CPR.”

The devices allow first responders to instead fasten their seat belts and sit down during ambulance and helicopter transport.