Physio-Control LUCAS - Manual (Page 11)

100057-00 F, ©J OLIFE AB 2007 11
LUCAS TM C HEST C OMPRESSION S YSTEM , I NSTRUCTIONS FOR U SE
1.10 B
ACKGROUND
The single most common cause of death in western
society is cardiovascular disease either on its own
or as a contributory factor.
There is only a short space of time after the heart
stops during which it is possible to reverse the
situation and restore spontaneous circulation.
If the heart is not started quickly, the two most
important organs, the heart and brain, will be
damaged by the lack of oxygen.
Effective chest compressions can restore
circulation to a level, which may be sufficient to
prevent heart and brain damage during a short
period of time.
For optimal results the compressions should be
performed in such a way that the rib cage is held
down for approximately half of the time, and
subsequently released for the remaining half of the
time 1 .
It is very difficult to perform manual chest
compressions effectively, even for experienced CPR
practitioners, and especially in a vehicle, moving
ambulance, during transport or when there is no
firm surface under the patient
2 3 .
1 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.
Circulation 2005;112: 24, Supplement; December 13, 2005.
2 Hightower D, Thomas SH, Stone CK et al. Decay in Quality of Closed-
Chest Compressions Over Time.
Ann Emerg Med 1995;26:300-303.
3 Sunde K, Wik L, Steen P A: Quality of Mechanical, manual Standard and
active compression-decompression CPR on the arrest site and during
transport in a manikin model. Resuscitation 1997;34:235-242.
1.11 C
HEST COMPRESSIONS USING
LUCAS
In situations where it is possible to use LUCAS
Chest Compression System, many of the problems
with manual chest compressions can be
eliminated.
LUCAS works by pressing down very quickly on the
rib cage and holding it down for 50% of the period/
cycle.
When following normal routines for CPR, the use of
LUCAS has the following advantages over manual
chest compression:
• The device maintains consistent chest
compression over a long period of time.
• One person becomes free to provide other care.
•
It is possible and safer for the user to give
effective chest compression even in a moving
vehicle.
1.12 S
IDE EFFECTS
Bruising and soreness of the chest is common
during use of LUCAS External Cardiac Compressor.
The International Liaison Committee on
Resuscitation (ILCOR) states the following side
effects of CPR 4 :
•
Rib fractures and other injuries are common but
acceptable consequences of CPR given the
alternative of death from cardiac arrest.
•
After resuscitation, all patients should be
reassessed and re-evaluated for resuscitation-
related injuries.
4 2005 International Concensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and
Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science with Treatment
Recommendations. Resuscitation 2005;67:195.