Donation of LUCAS chest compression system makes Lions Gate ED staff happy

North Vancouver resident Ian Dungate put smiles on the faces of the Emergency Department staff at Lions Gate Hospital this spring by donating $18,000 that was used to purchase a life-saving device called LUCAS.

The chest compression system is a fully automated electromechanical device that performs CPR by delivering high-quality, uninterrupted chest compressions on a patient.

Because performing manual chest compressions on a patient can be imprecise and tiring for staff, the LUCAS device can improve outcomes thanks to consistent, efficient chest compressions that deliver improved blood flow to the brain and heart.

Family physician inspires donation to ED

Ian, a former avid rugby player who saw two teammates die on the field from heart attacks, made the donation for a simple reason. He wanted to help, but wasn’t sure how so he talked to his family physician, Dr. Dana Haaf, who is also the president of the medical staff at LGH.

Dana suggested life-saving medical equipment.

“The use of the LUCAS device will be a significant improvement in the management of the most critically ill patients – those who are being actively resuscitated and require chest compressions,” says Dr. Stuart Horak, Medical Director and Head of the LGH Emergency Department. “Due to its size and efficiency, the LUCAS device will free up valuable space near the patient, allow nursing staff to focus on other tasks required during the resuscitation, and provide a consistent rate and depth of chest compressions.”

LGH ED staffers Jeremy Bohlken, Debbie Fink and Anthony Tsui show off the new LUCAS.