SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick Township has expanded its emergency response capabilities with a new LUCAS Chest Compression System, an advanced mechanical CPR device that provides consistent, high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest emergencies, township officials announced.
One LUCAS device was donated by Dayton Toyota in October 2025 and has been used by the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, according to the township. A second device was recently purchased through the South Brunswick Health Department's Enhancing Local Public Health Infrastructure Grant, expanding access to the technology for the township's EMS providers.
The three-year grant is intended to strengthen public health education, emergency preparedness and community health initiatives, and also funded training and outreach on CPR, heart health, behavioral health and nutrition, the township said.
On July 14, Dayton Toyota hosted an event where Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad Chief Rich Hoff and squad members demonstrated the LUCAS device for township officials and South Brunswick police, according to the township. Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, Councilwoman Jo Hochman, Township Manager Bryan Bidlack, Deputy Township Manager Julie Trammell and Acting Chief of Police Jim Ryan attended.
"Investing in advanced life-saving equipment is an investment in the health and safety of our community," Bierman said. "We are grateful to Dayton Toyota for its generous donation and to our Health Department for securing the grant funding that made this additional device possible."
"Having an additional LUCAS device available has made a significant difference for our squad," Hoff said. "It delivers consistent, high-quality CPR while allowing our responders to focus on other critical aspects of patient care during a cardiac emergency."
South Brunswick Township is served by three EMS organizations: Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, Kendall Park First Aid & Rescue Squad and South Brunswick Emergency Medical Services. Residents interested in volunteering can apply at www.mjfas.org, www.kpfars.org or www.sbemsnj.com.
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