The firefighters at the Bath Regional Fire and Rescue Department are hoping that a new piece of equipment can help save lives. With several donations and fundraising events, the department purchased a ZOLL autopulse resuscitation system which delivers automated CPR to victims of cardiac arrest.

Advancements in care

According to the manufacturer, the department is the first one in Atlantic Canada to install the equipment.

Edmonton first aid — In rural areas, it takes time to transport a patient to a healthcare facility, usually around 20 minutes or longer.

Aside from responding to fire calls, the crews also respond to calls for emergency medical service and trained in basic acute medical care. With free hands when responding to hard-to-reach rural areas, it makes a big difference. Since a wide area is covered, an individual can be transported as the compressions are moving at the same time.

Significant difference in rural areas

The devices costs around $19,500. The department was looking into purchasing new AED defibrillators from ZOLL.

In rural areas, it takes time to transport a patient to a healthcare facility, usually around 20 minutes or longer. With an automated CPR device in such cases, it can make a big difference.

In case of an off-road incident and fire in which an individual must be taken out, it might take a 20-minute or longer transport time to reach an ambulance. With free hands, compressions can be started early.

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