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Contra Costa Health Service Selected to Evaluate New CPR Technology

Issue: June 2009

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division of Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) was recently selected as one of only four agencies in the United States to evaluate a promising new tool that will help treat those who suffer sudden cardiac arrest. The FDA-cleared device, called the LUCAS Compression System, is strapped onto a patient’s body and provides steady and effective CPR.

“The LUCAS chest compression device delivers the same quality care for all patients. Unlike a human, it doesn’t get distracted, it doesn’t get tired,” said Pam Dodson, Prehospital Care Coordinator for EMS. “This device allows rescuers to focus on other lifesaving tasks at hand.”

As many as 700 people suffer from cardiac arrest in Contra Costa each year, according to Dodson. Health Services has deployed 12 LUCAS devices to some of the busiest fire stations throughout the county. The portable machines are sent with first responder fire crews, and can be used in the field and during ambulance transport. The air-powered devices deliver 100 compressions per minute, a rate recommended by the American Heart Association.

Contra Costa received the devices at no cost from Jolife, Inc., the sponsor of the North American LUCAS Evaluation project. The Swedish-made devices have been used with much success for several years in Europe.

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