Fire department using latest CPR tech to save lives |

The Memphis Fire Department is pleased to announce that it has started using the latest and best mechanical CPR technology available to save the lives of victims suffering a cardiac arrest.

The LUCAS chest compression system is an external device that provides chest compressions during CPR, allowing firefighter/paramedics to focus on other therapies.

“We believe this technology will allow us to provide even better care for our patients,” said Fire Director Alvin Benson. “Providing manual CPR can be difficult and tiring. The LUCAS system will give the patient high-quality, continuous and consistent compressions without tiring.”

In addition, Benson said the device increases firefighter safety because they don’t need to stand up in the back of a moving ambulance performing CPR.

The Memphis Fire Department fully expects to increase its already outstanding 16 percent survival rate of victims who suffer a cardiac arrest outside the hospital.

Information provided by the Memphis Fire Department.