As I have stated in previous articles, you cannot like to be a fireman, the job requires passion. That same statement is also true for Emergency Medical Technicians. The job requires hours of training, tons of testing, and intense commitment to the people you help. EMTs have a tremendous opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. At times it can be downright scary; the right thing to do is not always clear. People can be in situations that would challenge Houdini. We always find a way, and in the end, in spite of everything, we usually make things better. There is a warm feeling after a tough call when you help save a life or reduce pain. The job can be terrible and wonderful at the same time. I guess you have to be there.

Every so often a new tool or medical device becomes available that greatly influences outcomes. We EMTs give it a try but sometimes the hope of a better patient outcome is not realized. Then along comes a device like an AED (automated external defibrillator) and the chance of saving cardiac arrest patients increases tremendously. AEDs are now commonly found in schools, churches, industry, and most public buildings. Even untrained people have been successful in restoring a normal heart rhythm after shocking a person who has gone into cardiac arrest by using this machine.

There is another tool now available to EMTs that we, the Andover Emergency Medical Services, believe will also make a considerable difference. It is a Lucas Chest Compression machine. This device provides compressions on a person’s chest during CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Basically, it provides automatic CPR.

During that long ambulance ride to Concord Hospital Emergency Room when we, your neighbors who are volunteering as EMTs, are trying with all our might and strength to give you consistent, deep thrusts to keep your blood circulating; well, frankly, we get tired. Even five minutes of effective thrusts will tire a lumberjack. And so, the CPR becomes less and less effective. The Lucas Chest Compression machine provides that consistent CPR, and leaves our hands free to perform the other life-saving measures necessary.

The Lucas is currently used by our larger neighbors and last year was purchased by the Salisbury fire department. Two lives were saved in the first month of its use. Along with an AED, an airway management device, and neat ways we have to administer lifesaving medication, the patient has all the best pre-hospital care he needs for a good outcome. Your Andover EMTs have been trained to use this tool and we feel very strongly that this device will increase the performance of our CPR.

The Lucas has great promise but is not inexpensive. The cost of the unit is $16,000. While we are applying for a grant to cover part of the expense, we need the community’s help in raising the rest. Come to the Emergency Services tent on the common at our Fourth of July celebration and judge the unit for yourself. Andover Emergency Medical Chief, John Kinney, will explain more about our fund raising efforts in the July issue of the Beacon.

Bad CPR is better than no CPR. CPR performed well greatly increases the chances of a positive outcome. That means saving a life. The Lucas Chest Compression machine can help. We need one.