The Somers Fire Department held a demonstration of a new heads-up cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device, the EleGARDTM Patient Positioning System on Feb. 10, 2023 at the Village/Town Hall.
The device slowly and gradually elevates the patient’s head allowing for better blood flow to the brain. It has been shown to improve return of cardiac activity by as much as 60 percent.
Somers is the first department in the state of Wisconsin to use this device and each font-line ambulance in the department will carry one on board.
It works in conjunction with the LUCAS mechanical chest compression system that is already used by the department to increase chance of surviving a heart attack. It allows chest compressions to continue while a patient is being transported and never tires.
The two new devices which cost around $14,700 total, were purchased with Wisconsin State EMS Grant Funds. The two LUCAS CPR machines they work with which had a combined cost of $32,000 were purchased with funds raised by the Somers Fire & Rescue Association and the Somers Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 4831 along with other small grants over the last couple of years.
The total of $46,700 worth of life saving equipment came at no cost to Somers taxpayers.
“The CPR machines have already saved lives and we hope to save more with these new devices,” said Somers Fire Chief Ben Andersen.
The Somers Fire & Rescue Department also announced the launch of a new community outreach initiative called “Make the Difference” to promote teaching CPR and other life saving measures.
“We see an amazing opportunity to create more of a partnership with our community,” said Somers Firemedic Nico Celebre. “The “Make the Difference” initiative will raise our overall community health and wellness immensely.”
For more information about the initiative, you can email: [email protected].