See the news article published July 22, 2024 in the Midland Daily News online.
Midland, MI – July 19, 2024 – In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at improving cardiac emergency responses, The Midland County EMS Advisory Board and associated EMS first responders, along with the Physician Associates of MidMichigan Community Medical Foundation (PAMCMF) have teamed up to implement state-of-the-art LUCAS Chest Compression Systems. This partnership has resulted in a donation of over $250,000 by PAMCMF to fund 14 LUCAS devices, revolutionizing life-saving procedures in the field.
The Lucas Chest Compression System (Source: lucas-cpr.com)
Transforming Emergency Care with LUCAS Devices
The LUCAS Chest Compression System is a mechanical device that delivers consistent and continuous chest compressions, critical during cardiac arrest. Under the current practice of manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first responders, during long periods of time, may experience fatigue which may result in inconsistent and variable effectiveness of chest compressions. The LUCAS device ensures high-quality, uninterrupted compressions, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Danny Greig, Project Medical Director for Midland/Gladwin EMS, emphasized the importance of these devices: “High-quality CPR is the key to survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). The LUCAS device provides better and more consistent CPR than any human being could, freeing up responders for other critical interventions. Since implementing this device, survival rates have doubled.”
In the first three months of 2024 alone, the Midland County Fire Departments used the Lucas Device at least 12 times out of the 30 full arrests they experienced.
Life-Saving Impact in Midland County
The introduction of LUCAS devices in Midland County has already made a profound impact for the challenges first responders face, especially in rural areas where immediate ambulance access is limited. With LUCAS devices, responders can administer effective CPR from the patient’s home to the hospital, significantly enhancing the chances of survival.
Community-Wide Benefits and Future Goals
The deployment of these devices not only saves lives but also increases the safety of first responders by reducing the physical demands of manual CPR, especially in challenging environments like moving ambulances or rugged terrains. This initiative aligns with PAMCMF’s mission to support the health and well-being of the community through innovative medical solutions.
Edenville Twp. Fire/Rescue Captain Kevin Bettendorf (left) receiving a Lucas Device from Richard Ripke, Chairman of the Midland County EMS Advisory Board (right).
Midland County fire departments, including those covering vast rural areas and state lands, have fully embraced this technology. The addition of LUCAS devices allows first responders to maintain high-quality CPR during transport on off-road vehicles, critical in reaching victims in remote locations.
Encouraging Further Community Involvement
While celebrating this milestone, PAMCMF aims to inspire more community members to apply for grants and scholarships, furthering the foundation's mission to enhance local healthcare services. The success of the LUCAS device initiative underscores the importance of such grants in making a tangible difference.
For more information about PAMCMF and to learn how you can support or apply for funding, visit pamcmf.org.
About PAMCMF
The Physician Associates of MidMichigan Community Medical Foundation (PAMCMF) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community by providing grants and scholarships for medical education, advanced medical equipment, and innovative healthcare solutions. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, PAMCMF strives to create a healthier future for all.