VIDEO: The Rapid City Fire Department is asking city leaders to approve the purchase of new automated chest compression devices used by emergency medical crews during critical patient transports.
The department is requesting authorization to spend just over $216,000 from its wildland fund to purchase 13 LUCAS 3 chest compression systems. The devices deliver consistent, automated chest compressions, allowing EMTs to focus on other vital patient care while en route to the hospital.
RCFD officials say the current systems were introduced in 2013 and have reached the end of their service life. Replacement parts are no longer available, making it increasingly difficult to keep the equipment operational. EMS Division Chief Brent Long said the devices play a key role in improving patient outcomes by providing reliable compression depth and rate during cardiac emergencies.
The systems also help secure patients during transport and are widely used throughout the region, which allows for smoother transitions of care once patients arrive at the hospital. According to the department, patients can be taken directly to advanced treatment areas without interrupting chest compressions.
The purchase request was approved by the city’s Legal and Finance Committee last week and will now go before the Rapid City City Council for final consideration.