Skippack EMS To Employ New 'Lucas Device'

Thanks to a private donation from a local couple, the will be the first group in Montgomery County to employ a new life-saving technology called the Lucas Device.

"The Lucas Device is a CPR-assist device," said Jason Golden, chief of the Skippack EMS. "It frees up people so they can perform other aspects of CPR by using a mechanical device that performs perfect chest compression."

According to Golden, when crews are performing CPR, any type of ancillary movement -- such as reaching for medical supplies or needing to remove clothing -- can place the emergency technicians "behind the eight ball."

"The goal is to never stop doing chest compression, and that's almost impossible if you're doing it manually," said Golden. "[The Lucas Device] is exceptionally greater than manual CPR."

The device only takes 30 seconds to be fitted and operational. A plate is placed below the victim's back, which is then attached to a large, mechanized suction cup that is located on the victims chest. The machine then performs perfect chest compressions, allowing crew members to tend to other injuries and concerns.

The device costs roughly $15,000, but the Skippack EMS were able to make the purchase in large-part due to an annual private donation from a Skippack couple. Golden said that the couple doesn't wish to publicly reveal their identities, but they received life-saving treatment from the Skippack EMS several years ago. 

Since then, the couple makes a substantial private donation each year, with the only stipulation being that the money be used for equipment.

"We use that money to buy equipment," said Golden. "[The donor's] only caveat was that we use the money for equipment, and not to pay our electric bill and things like that. They want us to use [the money] for something that actually goes on the ambulance."