Fire Department Gets Automated CPR Devices for Ambulances

ALGONQUIN, IL – The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District will be using grant money to buy four automated CPR devices for each of its ambulances. The life-saving devices are meant to assist local residents.

"Research has repeatedly demonstrated that precisely executed and uninterrupted chest compressions greatly improve a patient’s chances for a successful outcome," according to a news release. "Manually performing chest compressions can be difficult in many situations, even for trained first responders. The Automated CPR Devices deliver uninterrupted compressions at a consistent rate as recommended by the American Heart Association. Once applied, compressions are consistent and continuous even during patient movement from incident to ambulance to hospital bed."

Fire officials said the device, which is designed to fit around a person's chest, uses a piston to perform the chest compressions more accurately and consistently than any person could do. In addition, use of the device frees up a paramedic to do other critical tasks at the incident.

"These devices do not replace the need for manual CPR being performed by a bystander prior to the arrival of paramedics," according to the news release. "CPR must begin immediately in a cardiac arrest event."

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District offers American Heart Association CPR training classes and encourages residents to learn this potentially life-saving technique. The class schedule can be found here.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK