HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Anyone at Hill Air Force Base suffering a condition that requires chest compressions may have a better chance of survival thanks to a newly acquired mechanical chest compression machine.

The LUCAS device, an acronym for Lund University Cardiac Assist System, assists Hill AFB Fire and Emergency Services professionals by delivering consistent and uninterrupted automatic chest compressions to sudden cardiac arrest patients.

Joe Bushman, an engineer and advanced emergency medical technician with Hill AFB Fire and Emergency Services said he is happy to have the LUCAS device here because automatic compressions eliminates rescuer fatigue and frees-up personnel to perform additional lifesaving measures, such as placing advanced airways, establishing IV access, and automated external defibrillator pad placement without the need to stop chest compressions.

“The great thing about this device is it’s designed to perform the chest compressions function of CPR without experiencing rescuer fatigue,” Bushman said. “This battery powered device doesn’t experience slow down, and consistently delivers high quality chest compressions throughout the CPR event.”

To use the device, the LUCAS is put in place over the patient’s chest. Then, a central motorized shaft, or plunger delivers the chest compressions at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute, which is the industry standard.

Another plus is the simplicity to use the device.

“It takes minimal training to become familiar with it,” Bushman said. “It’s not a specialized skill, so all EMS skill levels can safely and effectively operate this device.”

Currently, Hill has one of these $10,000 units, located at the main base on the first-run emergency medical response vehicle, with a future plan for another to go out to Station 5 at the Utah Test and Training Range.

Bushman said the bottom line is being able to help save lives and reduce adverse effects of a cardiac event.

“Research as shown that high-quality chest compressions increases blood flow to the brain, which is the ultimate goal of CPR,” he said. “Increased chances of good patient outcomes is what we are all working for and the LUCAS device helps us achieve that.”