TMFPD outfits every engine with advanced life-saving equipment

TMFPD is first fire department in Washoe County to equip every fire engine with automatic chest compression devices and brand new cardiac monitors.

Reno, Nevada. Dec. 29, 2016. Firefighters are frequently the first paramedics on scene of medical emergencies. Thanks to new equipment, Truckee Meadows Fire crews have the best and most advanced tools on every engine to treat victims of cardiac arrest.

The Lucas Chest Compression device provides uninterrupted high quality, high performance chest compressions to victims of cardiac arrest. This device provides life-saving circulation and frees up the firefighter/paramedic to perform other life-saving interventions at the same time. New cardiac monitors were purchased in conjunction with the Lucas Chest Compression devices to provide cardiac arrest patients with the greatest chance for survival by ensuring minimal interruption in chest compressions, and the most efficient scene operations possible. The devices were used on two cardiac arrest patients just this week, resulting in the return of spontaneous circulation prior to arrival at the hospital.   

The new monitors are the latest technology in pre-hospital defibrillation and electrocardiogram monitoring. These monitors will allow crews to conduct pre-hospital 12 lead ECG’s, assess patients for carbon monoxide poisoning, monitor core temperatures during hypothermia, and have the ability to send electronic ECG’s to hospitals. The new monitors are significantly lighter than the previous models, making patient access easier.

The previous cardiac monitors will be moved to brush engines to allow for Advanced Life Support care during wildfire responses.

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