FEATURED IN NEWS
- Images, Video: Commuter Trains Collide in Connecticut; 60 People Injured
- California EMT Burned in Race Kart Fire; Community Responds
- Woman in Towed Car Likely Died at North Carolina Crash Scene, Autopsy Finds
- Washington, D.C. Faces a Critical Paramedic Shortage
- School Bus Carrying Special-Needs Kids Rolls Over in Indianapolis
- Crime Not Ruled out in Texas Blast
- Medical Helicopter Crash Flight Crew to be Honored at Future Memorial Site in Illinois
The Memphis Fire Department is pleased to announce that they have been provided a $240,000 grant from the Assisi Foundation of Memphis to purchase the latest and best mechanical CPR technology available to save the lives of victims suffering a cardiac arrest.
The grant will allow the Memphis Fire Department to purchase seventeen (17) LUCAS chest compression systems. The LUCAS device is an external device that provides chest compressions during CPR, allowing firefighter/paramedics to focus on other therapies.
“We believe this technology will allow us to provide even better care for our patients,” said Fire Director Alvin Benson. “Providing manual CPR can be difficult, inconsistent, and tiring. The LUCAS system will give the patient high-quality, continuous and consistent compressions without interruption.”
In addition, Benson said the device increases firefighter safety because they won’t need to stand up in the back of a moving ambulance performing CPR. The Memphis Fire Department fully expects to increase its already outstanding 16 percent survival rate of victims who suffer a cardiac arrest outside the hospital.
Commenting for the Assisi Foundation, Executive Director Dr. Jan Young said, “Reports on the use of mechanical CPR devices have been very positive. The Board of Directors for the Assisi Foundation is pleased to make this type of investment for the well being of the community in partnership with the Memphis Fire Department.”
