CPR perfecting device coming to rural Nebraska

Posted By: Megan Conway

mconway@klkntv.com

100 compressions a minute. One and a half to two inches deep. That’s the requirements of performing CPR to save someone’s life.

“CPR is really a simple process to teach, but very difficult to do correctly,” says Shelley Stingley, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

To perfect the process, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has given Nebraska a three year grant for almost six million dollars. This will be used to buy automated chest compression systems called the Lucas 2 to be used on cardiac patients.

“This equipment will strengthen Nebraska‘s cardiac care system and enhance the connections between EMS providers and hospital networks, and ultimately it’s the patient who will benefit,” says Lt. Gov. Mike Foley.

360 ambulances and 80 hospitals will receive the device, all in rural areas, which rescue officials say is vitally important.

“In our jurisdiction in rural Nebraska, it’s not uncommon to have to drive 30 to 60 minutes from a patient’s house to the hospital,” says Chief Brian Daake, Beatrice Fire and Rescue.

Testing the device, Nebraska Physio found it worked on 95 percent of all patients, no matter the body size and increases the survival rate of patients.

“We can use this device coming down stairs, around corners, all those other times where we couldn’t continue compressions, we can now continue it with the automated device,” says Ryan From, Nebraska Physio.

This device will be a game changer in the medical field. The first of three waves of the Lucas 2 will start appearing in ambulances and hospitals in September.