New CPR machine saving lives

New CPR machine saving lives

The Memphis Fire Department is installing new hands-free CPR compression machines in all ambulances after a successful trial period.

Fire officials say the department is among the first big-city agencies to install the device, called a Lucas 2, into every ambulance. The action comes after a trial run that began in October.

Deputy Chief Gary Ludwig told The Commercial Appeal that Lucas 2 was used 166 times and revived 38 patients, giving it a success rate of 23 percent. That’s a big increase from the 5 percent success rate, which is close to the national average — that they had without it.

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