The Southgate City Council approved the fire department’s purchase of an automated CPR compression device, of which the department has successfully been using a demonstration unit for the past two months.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – The City Council approved Fire Chief Marc Hatfield’s request to purchase an automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation compression device Jan. 20, following the department’s positive two-month trial with a demonstration unit.
The device, which mechanically provides consistent chest compressions to sudden cardiac arrest patients in the field and in-transit, frees up emergency medical technicians to focus on other tasks, and spares them from exhausting manual compressions, as well as limiting their close-range exposure to patients who might be positive for COVID-19.
“This device has proven to improve the outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest victims and improve the operation of our paramedics while on the scene of a cardiac arrest,” Hatfield said in a Jan. 11 memo to the city officials.
Hatfield requested the purchase of a Lucas 3 brand unit, for $13,704, which may be used with batteries or a power cord, from Stryker Medical in Chicago.
He said Stryker also supplied the recent cardiac monitor which the department purchased through Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.
Hatfield said he has adequate funding in his budget for the purchase.
Mayor Joseph Kuspa concurred with the chief’s recommendation.
“Extensive research has been done by the fire chief,” Kuspa said. “We believe this is in the best interest of the city.”