LUCAS Device

Procedure Guidelines 9.00

LUCAS Device

INDICATIONS:

The Lucas Device is an automated, battery-powered chest compression system that will be deployed by the Maitland Fire Rescue Fire Department, when available, for anyone suspected or known to be in cardiac arrest.

The Lucas Device will be considered for use by Department personnel in specific settings for the treatment of adult cardiac arrest in circumstances (eg. during diagnostic and interventional procedures) that make manual resuscitation difficult and/or where no other contraindications exist. Manual chest compressions will not be delayed while the Lucas Device is being set up. If mechanical failure of the Lucas Device occurs, manual chest compressions will be provided.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Patients who do not fit within the Lucas Device
  • Patient’s chest is too wide or tall to fit in the Lucas Device
  • Patient’s chest is too small (pressure pad does not contact the sternum when the sternum pad is in its lowest position)
  • If it is not possible to position LUCAS safely or correctly on the patient’s chest

RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATION:

• Traumatic cardiac arrest patients (wounds resulting from sudden physical injury or violence)

PROCEDURE:

• While the Lucas Device is being prepared, the cardiac arrest shall be managed in accordance with the current State Office of Emergency Medical Services protocols.
• Defibrillation pads must be positioned so that the pads and cables are not under the suction cup. If the combo pads are already on the patient, apply new pads if the pad(s) and/or cables will be under the Lucas Device suction cup.
• Remove Lucas Device from the storage bag and turn on.
• Lay the yellow back plate under the body below the armpits.
• Extend the legs of the Lucas Device, claw locks open. Connect the Lucas Device to the yellow back plate by attaching the claw hook on the side opposite from the responder who is performing manual compressions, then place the Lucas Device over the chest and connect the opposite claw hook. Listen for the click, pull up once to ensure attachment. Limit interruption of manual compressions to less than 10 seconds.
• With both hands on the suction pad, push down until the pressure pad underneath the suction cup touches the sternum and align the bottom edge of the cup just above the xyphoid.
• Verify correct placement of suction cup and that Combo pad cables are not under the Lucas Device pressure pad.
• Press the 30:2 button and Lucas Device will deliver continuous compressions @ 100/minute pausing every 30 seconds for two ventilations.
• If the patient is intubated, you can press the button above the 30:2 which provides continuous compressions at a rate of 100 compressions/minute.
• Position the yellow neck strap under the patient’s neck and attach the straps to the connection clips on the Lucas Device.
• To stop the Lucas Device from delivering compressions during pulse checks, EKG rhythm checks, press the “Pause: button (#2). You can deliver a defibrillation shocks with the Lucas running. Just verify that the Lucas has not moved after the shock has been delivered.
• To change the suction placement, press the #1 button. Do not adjust the suction in the Pause Mode.
• To change a low battery, pull up and out on the battery, remove, and insert a second battery. The device can be run off AC Power as needed.

Patients with King Airways/endotracheal tube – ventilations can be provided without pausing the Lucas Device.

NOTE: Do not stop the device for more than 10 seconds after at least 2 minutes of compressions per the 2005 American Heart Association’s (AHA) CPR guidelines. Intravenous cannulation, endotracheal intubation, or any other procedure should either be attempted during chest compressions or during the 10 second pause. Approved alternatives to those procedures, such as intraosseous infusion and a BLS airway (example: King Tube) should be considered. Cardiac defibrillation should be attempted during a 10 second pause.