Tempe equips all frontline fire trucks, ambulances with lifesaving CPR devices

PHOENIX — All Tempe Fire Medical Rescue frontline vehicles have been upgraded with CPR technology that helps first responders save more lives.

Twelve of the department’s trucks and ambulances are now carrying LUCAS automated chest compression devices, the city announced Wednesday.

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue is the first metro Phoenix fire department to have the potentially lifesaving technology in all of its frontline vehicles, according to the announcement.

“By putting LUCAS devices on all of our frontline trucks, we’re ensuring this tool is available the moment crews arrive on scene, giving our patients the best possible chance of survival and overall better health outcomes,” Deputy Chief Kevin Bailey Jr. said in a press release.

How do CPR devices help Tempe Fire Medical Rescue?

The devices provide consistent CPR compressions to maintain lifesaving circulation, even while the patient is being moved.

Without them, first responders have to do manual chest compressions, which can be disrupted by fatigue and other variables during an emergency situation.

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue said it responds to an average of 308 cardiac arrest calls annually, providing plenty of need for the LUCAS devices.

The department started equipping its ambulances with the technology in 2021. Fire trucks were added to the mix last year so firefighters didn’t have to wait for ambulances before the devices could be deployed.

“The sooner we can begin high-quality chest compressions, the better the chances of survival,” Bailey said. “This initiative is about giving every patient the absolute best shot at a positive outcome.”

Related

Surprise completes 1 new fire station, buys land for anotherWest Valley suburb building state-of-the-art fire station to replace aging facilityPhoenix Fire Department breaks ground on 4th station in AhwatukeeArizona joins 22-state lawsuit to block federal insurance rule that would gut ACA protectionsAbrazo Arizona Heart Hospital expands capacity to meet Arizona’s growing heart care demandMaricopa County drives nation-leading West Nile virus outbreak with 47 cases, 5 deaths