To improve patient survival rates and minimize potential exposure to COVID-19, SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room is now equipped with a new LUCAS 3 chest compression system, a battery-powered device that performs automated chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The LUCAS 3 chest compression system provides additional benefits to cardiac arrest patients by delivering guideline-consistent, high-quality chest compressions even under difficult conditions and for extended periods of time. Studies demonstrate the LUCAS device improves quality of chest compressions, increases carbon dioxide monitoring levels, and sustains lifesaving blood circulation during prolonged resuscitation attempts. “Prolonged CPR can occur in many situations,” according to Emily Kosterman, RN, BSN, SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital Emergency Room manager. “LUCAS 3 can free up personnel to let them focus on other critical emergency patient care, such as defibrillation, intubation, and IV placement.” This newest technology has been made possible by the Dodge County Public Health team as part of a state public health grant funding tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Waupun Memorial Hospital is one of three area hospitals to receive a LUCAS 3 chest compression system. Waupun Memorial Hospital Emergency Room’s previous LUCAS system is now available within the hospital’s inpatient nursing unit. In the COVID-19 era, manual chest compressions on patients in cardiac arrest can be dangerous for health care staff performing the procedure. “The closeness to patients during CPR increases the danger of aerosol spread of virus,” according to Matt Bartol, Dodge County Emergency Preparedness coordinator. “The ability to stand aside and not be directly exposed while performing chest compressions greatly reduces the chance of infection. We are pleased to have provided this grant and ensure the long-term care of our communities.” “We greatly appreciate Dodge County Public Health’s donation of the Lucas 3 device,” Kosterman says. “Having an updated device will not only assist our healthcare staff, but most importantly improve patient outcomes.”
