Device performs CPR for Manchester`s first responders
March 27--MANCHESTER -- No one plans to have a heart attack.
Steve Lindland, 57, of Manchester, certainly didn't, considering he was in perfect health. But when his heart stopped and he collapsed on the Manchester High School basketball court during a pickup game in September 2012, Lindland and others learned the importance of knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how helpful a compression device can be.
While Manchester emergency medical technicians probably hope they won't have to use it, the town's Emergency Medical Services was able to purchase a Lucas 2 Chest Compression Device earlier this month. Money to buy the $14,000 device was raised solely through donations, partially through a CPR class held after Lindland's incident.
The machine provides consistent chest compressions for someone in cardiac arrest, taking the place of manual compressions done by someone performing CPR.
Lindland, whose heart stabilized, learned, while he was recovering, that during that fateful basketball game, had it not been for Joe Wilwerth, who was also playing and knew CPR, along with several others present, he might not have survived.
Lindland said it was Wilwerth who suggested having a CPR class following the incident.
"We decided we would have a CPR class because I realized that if it were me on the (basketball) court, I wouldn't know what to do," Lindland said.
Organizers of the class decided that proceeds from it would go toward purchasing the Lucas device.
The machine's compressions are able to keep the blood flowing to a person's brain and other body parts during a heart attack, according to Manchester Fire and EMS Department's Lt. Tim Crosbie, who serves as EMS coordinator.
Lindland said he didn't realize until he took the CPR class how taxing performing CPR can be after a while.
"It was much more physically demanding than what I really imagined," he said.
Crosbie said the Lucas device is now in use, and department members had a special training session to learn how to use it.
"One of the biggest advantages is it's a mechanical device; it gives consistent compressions," he said. "That's one of the big things."
Crosbie said the machine is helpful when transporting a patient to the hospital. Despite a vehicle stopping and starting or going over bumps, the device will continually provide consistent compressions necessary to keep the blood flowing.
The device has been available for several years, and Crosbie said the department has been eyeing one.
Along with the money raised through the CPR class, multiple Manchester clubs also made donations, including Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, Manchester Golden Age Club, Manchester Seaside Firemen's Club, Manchester Friends of Council of Aging, Manchester Women's Club, McNeilly EMS educators, and the Manchester CPR Fund, according to a news release.
Some residents also donated, including Sarah and Michael Dyer, Sue and Frederick Thorne, Anna and Mike McDonagh, and Nancy and Joe Wrobel, the release states. There were also multiple anonymous donations.
CPR training is available through the American Heart Association Heartsavers CPR/AED class, according to the release, and the Manchester Fire and Rescue Department encourages those interested to learn because of how crucial it can be in saving a life.
Arianna MacNeill can be reached at 978-675-2710 or at amacneill@gloucestertimes.com.
Copyright 2014 - Gloucester Daily Times, Mass.
