A lifesaving piece of equipment has been donated from a charity to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary emergency department.
Action on Accidents, a charity that supports people injured in road traffic collisions, through no fault of their own, donated the Stryker LUCAS chest compression system to support emergency teams in performing CPR.
The LUCAS device automates CPR, allowing paramedics and nurses to allocate their time to delivering additional care for the patient. The advanced technology ensures high-quality chest compressions and fewer interruptions than manual CPR, maintaining reliability until the patient no longer requires resuscitation.
The adaptability of the LUCAS device, with its various settings for compressions per minute and depth adjustments, enhances efficiency, ultimately contributing to saving lives.
Deborah McCoach, Lead Nurse in Emergency Care at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: “The Emergency Department here at the GRI would like to thank Phyllis and Action on Accidents for this generous donation which will be greatly received by staff and patients.
“The LUCAS CPR device is expected to assist clinical teams during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This will help to maintain consistent high-quality compressions, reducing the physical strain on staff and relieving them to focus on other critical aspects of patient care during ongoing CPR.
“This device will ensure a more standardised and effective CPR process and improve outcomes for patients in cardiac arrest.”
Phyllis Craig MBE, Director/Senior Welfare Rights Officer at Action on Accidents, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to meeting the needs of healthcare professionals. She said, “We believe that in the NHS if something is needed, we should give back, and that is what we have done.
“It is vitally important that hospitals have this device as it could be saving your family, my family, those with asbestos conditions, involved road traffic accidents or anyone. I am delighted that we were able to provide this, and we hope to do more in the near future.”
A spokesperson from Stryker, manufacturers of the LUCAS device, said: “What a remarkable act of kindness from Phyllis and her charity. The donation of this LUCAS device will literally save many lives.
“Not only will the patients benefit from this but also the staff at GRI. Performing CPR is very stressful and tiring, and the LUCAS takes that responsibility away from the care giver and ensures guideline chest compressions are delivered”.
