Falls Township Introduces new Lifesaving Tool

A FEMA grant has allowed the Falls Township Fire Department to purchase a Lucas 2 Chest Compression System.

The Lucas 2 delivers 100 two inch compressions per minute for as long as it is turned on. This is something that Captain Ted Norris said is difficult for even the fittest firefighter to do.

“It doesn’t get tired like a rescuer does,” Norris said. “Also, it promotes safety in the back of the truck where a rescuer can be seat belted instead of trying to stand up in the back of the truck.”

According to Captain Norris the Lucas 2 takes only seconds to get compressions started. It not only cuts the time before CPR is started, but it also allows first responders to start evaluating the patient for other injuries.

“It’s a prime piece of equipment to use because they get there initially with only two people,” Norris said. “They’re waiting on another truck with either two or three people on it, and this piece of equipment can be easily placed on the individual within 20 seconds, so that limits the amount of time that CPR is not being performed.”

In the first couple of compressions, the machine measures how much speed and force is needed to achieve 100 two inch compressions per minute.