Savannah FD adds known life-saving LUCAS device for CPR
SAVANNAH, Mo. (KQTV) -- More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of the hospital each year, according to the American Heart Association. If the nearest hospital is far away, the situation can get even scarier.
The Savannah Fire Department recently purchased LUCAS devices for its district.
The department budgeted around $30,000 for the devices in 2026. They purchased three refurbished units for around $27,000, according to officials.
This Stryker device enables consistent CPR during transport to the hospital.
"The LUCAS is the same depth on the compression and the same rhythm with humans. There's going to be variation in that, of course. So, with the LUCAS, it's the same compression every time. Perfect CPR," said Savannah Fire Chief David Vincent when sharing information about the device.
This is what's on the mind of Savannah Fire Captain Dustin Duncan, who agrees with first responders that moments definitely matter.
"In a controlled setting, if you're on this table or on this floor with plenty of help, it's fine," said Duncan after explaining the basics of CPR. "But after two minutes, no matter how good a shape you're in, you get tired. Emotions and stress add to that. You just get worn out. This device takes all that out."
Duncan explained the challenge of call times when heading to an emergency, especially if it's on the outskirts of the protection district. Then they must travel from the call to the nearest medical facility to try to save the individual.
Currently, the three devices are spread out. One stays with Country Club's first responders, one with Chief Vincent and the third with their full-time firefighter. This setup ensures a range of access.
Captain Duncan said he wishes to have at least seven devices distributed throughout the district.
Duncan and Vincent said they're proud of how the district has grown over the years and of its ability to provide safe and reliable options for the county's residents.
Some of those changes include the purchase of ambulance bags for emergency medical responders across much of the county. These bags offer many of the same options found in most ambulances in 2024.
In the same year, Savannah also worked with the community to purchase the Safe Haven Baby Box. This was in hopes of assisting mothers in need after an incident in Nodaway County, where a baby was found deceased near Mozingo Lake.
Captain Duncan and Chief Vincent explained that the next step in serving the community, which they hope to achieve, is hiring more part-time firefighters who will live at the station and serve within the district.
They believe that this step will further enhance response times and strengthen community safety, continuing the department's ongoing commitment to improved emergency services.
