OLM*EMS Gets Autopulse Device

[N1Medic 69]

Our Lady of Mercy ambulance

gets automated CPR device

BY SONDRA WOLFER

Daily News

Mike Moculski, director of Pre-Hospital Care at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center, demonstrates a heart support pump that eliminates the need for paramedic to manually depress a patient's chest during CPR. 

A Bronx hospital hopes a new piece of ambulance equipment will squeeze life into cardiac arrest patients and increase survival rates for people whose hearts suddenly stop outside a hospital environment.

Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center's paramedic ambulance now features a portable, battery-operated chest compressor that administers cardio-pulmonary resuscitation - CPR - more efficiently and consistently than human hands.

"This device will just keep on doing CPR without stopping. There's no fatigue for the rescue worker. It doesn't have to stop to go up and down stairs," said Michael Moculski, emergency services director at the Norwood hospital.

This is the first 911 ambulance in the city to have the device on board, he said.

The Autopulse, manufactured by Zoll Medical Corp., consists of a board that is placed beneath the patient and a wide, padded band secured around the patient's chest. When the machine is started, the band squeezes and releases rhythmically, compressing the chest evenly all around with about 7 to 9 pounds of pressure per square inch.

"Any viable patient has a much greater chance of success because the CPR is much more consistent and efficient," Moculski said.

Currently, there is only a 2% survival rate for people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting.

Manual CPR under the best conditions only provides 10% to 15% of normal blood flow to the heart and 20% to 40% of normal blood flow to the brain.

Moculski said early studies have found the portable chest compressor provides 90% of the blood flow of a normal beating heart. This increases survival rates and improves outcomes for patients because more blood gets to the brain while CPR is being administered.

The unit also lets emergency workers focus on other critical work, such as artificial respiration and hooking up IV bags.

"This really gives you a big hug," said Ken Reardon, OLM's life support training coordinator. "I have no doubt that this will show a big difference in survivability. If we can see a 20% increase in survival, that would be great."

Originally published on August 31, 2006

[fac911 33]

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We had a chance to use it 2 times in 2 days . Both arrests where saves, 41 Y/o Male & a 70y/o female the 41 y/o is expected to walk out of the hospital. This device really works!

[x129K 1,393]

Good for you Brother!

Didja use the Dinosaur gloves!!!!!!??????

[fac911 33]

Good for you Brother!

Didja use the Dinosaur gloves!!!!!!??????

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you know it!!!!!!!

[ny10570 745]

excellent tool, but is it true its only being used on viable pt's?? Rumor has it that was the order issued with the devices.

[efd1674 5]

Was Lynch @ scene

[Bababoosky 24]

dinosaur gloves?

[Guest]

Was Lynch @ scene

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HA-HA LYNCH YA GOTTA LUV KEVIN HAHAHAHAHA.....

[x129K 1,393]

dinosaur gloves?

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Looong time ago.......... behind 358 Nep.....

Good trauma job....