Scottsbluff, Neb., – On Sept. 18, more than 55 trainees from 15 hospitals, fire crews, and EMS squads gathered in the Regional West Sorensen Education Center for training on how to use their new LUCAS™ 2 chest compression devices. 

The devices were made possible with grant funds from Nebraska Health and Human Services, and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The three year, $6 million grant is being used to purchase lifesaving equipment for ambulances and hospitals.

The 15 LUCAS™ 2 CPR devices will increase the chance of survival for Nebraskans in cardiac arrest.

During a heart attack, patients need a steady supply of oxygen to the brain to avoid neurological damage. Chest compressions help maintain circulation to supply oxygen; however performing manual chest compressions can be exhausting and difficult for emergency responders and health care providers. LUCAS™ 2 CPR devices free up the responders hands to focus on other lifesavings tasks and rescue opportunities, while still providing uninterrupted chest compressions.

Area hospitals that received the CPR devices are: Regional West Medical Center, Regional West-Garden County, Box Butte General Hospital, Kimball Health Services, Morrill County Community Hospital, Sidney Regional Medical Center, and Chadron Community Hospital. Area ambulance services that received the CPR devices include: Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Oshkosh, Alliance Fire Department, Morrill County Community Hospital, Chadron Volunteer Fire Department, and Kimball County Ambulance Services.  Two representatives from each entity attended the training.

Regional West will provide future continuing education to those receiving the machines.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.