Lucas 2 Chest Compression System Review

There are several mechanical CPR devices on the market - one is the LUCAS 2 Chest Compression System.

Studies have shown that effective, consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions done during cardiac arrest help to maintain good circulation which helps the patient's chance for survival. Mechanical chest compression systems are somewhat new to the market.

The LUCAS 2, developed by Jolife in Lund, Sweden, is able to provide effective hands-free continuous compression in any situation. A few features make the LUCAS 2 different from other devices on the market.

"First of all, it's a small device, the lightest, smallest device on the market. It all fits in this little backpack," explained Todd Long, a sales representative for Physio Control.  "The second thing is the operational cost is low. There's not a big cost every time you use the device. And the third thing is it does CPR according to the guidelines. 100 beats per minute, 2" depth, 50-50 duty cycle."

The LUCAS 2 Chest Compression System is also easy to use. One rescuer can be performing manual compressions while the other slips the backboard under the patient. The pad is then pushed to the chest to just touch the skin, and then it is locked in place.  In less than 20 seconds it should be ready to begin compressions.

"It can either do 30 and 2 or it can do continuous CPR," said Long. 

Although the device is small enough to fit in a backpack, it will fit on most patients. According to Long, "It will actually fit on about 93, 94 percent of the population and we've gotten it on people that are over 300 pounds." 

There are two models, the LUCAS 1 that runs on compressed air and the LUCAS 2 which runs on rechargeable batteries, which run for 45 minutes each. The device can also be plugged into either AC or DC power.

"So while it's running, you can plug it in. If you have a long transport, plug it in, in the ambulance," said Long.

For more information on the LUCAS 2 Chest Compression System, visit the Physio Control website.

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