Grant County Fire District 7 was grateful to be able to add an amazing tool to its Emergency Medical Services capability this month. Grant County Fire District 7 purchased a Zoll Auto Pulse which automatically provides continuous CPR, a device which can make all the difference during a life-or-death situation.
In a rural setting such as Grant County it is difficult to find volunteers to staff your Fire Districts and Ambulances. Studies have shown to effectively provide CPR to a Cardiac Arrest Victim there needs to be 7 trained responders in ideal conditions. The primary reason 7 responders are needed is to provide for rest breaks of the person doing compressions to ensure quality chest compressions are provided to the patient. Other responders are needed to provide airway support by utilizing advanced airways, suctioning, providing ventilations, arranging medical helicopters, extrication and documentation to name a few. At times it is very difficult to have this many responders at a cardiac arrest especially in a rural setting with a primarily volunteer EMS response. This device will allow uninterrupted high quality cpr with much fewer responders. This will also allow for better safety of the crew as CPR in the back of an ambulance bouncing down the road is not only dangerous to our responders but also reduces the effect of CPR.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a substantial health problem killing approximately 350,000 persons each year in the U.S alone, and as many as a million worldwide. It is the leading cause of unexpected death in the world and strikes without warning. Survival is poor in most communities at less than 10 percent, and improvements in resuscitation practices could save as many as half of these victims.
The ZOLL AutoPulse Resuscitation System helps to improve blood flow to the heart and brain during sudden cardiac arrest because of the unique, high-quality chest compression it generates compared to manual CPR. Compared with manual CPR, the AutoPulse has been shown to reduce interruptions in compressions during transport by more than 85% and was applied in as little as 14 seconds. Historically, when we do CPR, our hands are allowed to push about 30% of blood flow to the brain in an ideal situation. With the AutoPulse deployed, using the LifeBand, you’re going to be able to push near-normal blood flow very quickly. It’s consistent, and it’s constant!
Thank you Highrollers (501c3 Non Profit to support Grant County Fire District 7) and our citizens for raising the money to purchase such an amazing life saving device.