New automatic CPR machines already saving lives at Vandergrift/Oklahoma EMS

New automatic CPR machines in use for about a month on Vandergrift/Oklahoma EMS ambulances have already helped paramedics and EMTs save lives.

Vandergrift/Oklahoma Emergency Medical Services recently used a state grant to buy two CPR machines for their ambulances.

The device, called LUCAS, is a mechanical chest-compression system. It fits around a patient and, with a mechanical arm, performs compressions at the proper rate and force.

Chief Jim Caporali said the ambulance service used to borrow from other ambulance units or a hospital.

But the rural coverage area of Caporali’s service covers makes CPR machines almost a necessity. An ambulance can have a long drive to the nearest hospital, meaning a paramedic or emergency medical technician would have to do manual CPR for 20 or 30 minutes, Caporali said.

“If you’ve ever done CPR before, it is very exhausting,” said EMT Christine Sestanko. “So after five to 10 minutes, you’re tired. So, how good of CPR are you doing? This does perfect CPR every time.”

Vandergrift/Oklahoma EMS is one of the few Alle-Kiski Valley ambulance services to have their own mechanical CPR device, along with Lower Kiski and New Kensington.

“Hopefully, this saves some lives,” state Rep. Joseph Petrarca, D-Washington Township, said Friday, watching a demonstration of the new machines.

Petrarca found roughly $40,000 in grant money to help pay for the machines.

Without grant funding, it’s nearly impossible for rural ambulance services to make important upgrades and buy new equipment. Relying on patients’ insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid to pay for each dispatch, the company often never sees the full payment.

“Sometimes we don’t get paid at all,” paramedic Hayden Geisweidt said.

Petrarca said he hoped the new devices have eased the burden, if only marginally.

“It’s amazing to me how many calls you guys go on,” he said to the ambulance workers. “There’s a problem (in this area) with personnel and coverage.”