Richland County Ambulance Offers Life-Saving Technology

Cardiac arrest patients in Richland County have an even a better chance of surviving, thanks to a battery-powered device that performs CPR at the push of a button.

The device is called LUCAS2 (Lund University Cardiac Assist System). Richland County ambulance is the first in the region to offer this life-saving technology and it was made possible by the generosity of community members attending the 2014 Cattlemen’s Ball. Each February, the Foundation for Community Care and MonDak Stockgrower’s Association host an evening event of dinner, auction and dancing. The proceeds from this event benefit the continuance of quality healthcare for Richland County and the surrounding area.

LUCAS2 overcomes one of the main difficulties EMS professionals face when trying to revive patients whose hearts have stopped beating; performing CPR correctly and consistently for extended periods of time. At 100 compressions per minute, LUCAS2 offers consistency when rescuers carry patients up or down stairs, on hiking trails or into the ambulance.

Bonny Stevens, Richland County Ambulance director, knows how difficult it is to perform CPR, especially while trying to keep secure and balanced in the back of an ambulance. “The safety of our EMTs is our priority. We can not help the injured if we are injured ourselves. The LUCAS2 helps to ensure we stay safe during the long ambulance rides from rural areas to Sidney Health Center while providing the best care for our patients.”

Bonny also explained having the LUCAS2 is like adding additional EMTs to a call. LUCAS2 provides effective CPR while freeing up rescuers to perform care like supplying oxygen, running a defibrillator and other life-saving procedures.

It is the future goal to have a LUCAS2 in every ambulance. Currently, the device will be shared with Fairview, Lambert & Savage ambulance services. For more information on how to support Richland County Ambulance and local health care, contact the Foundation for Community Care, 406-488-2273 or go to their website at http://www.foundationforcommunitycare.org.