ACFR receives new lifepaks to support critical heart failure

Verona, Va. (WHSV) -Augusta County Fire -Rescue will upgrade to a newer Lifepak model for better heart supply by upgrading AEDs that are used for heart supply.

According to the American Heart Association, there are over 19,000 heart attacks a day in the United States. Matt Lawler, head of the ACFR EMS, said that the response time was a priority for emergency staff, especially if someone has a problem with his heart. He said someone who experienced a heart attack can become symptoms catastrophic if they are not treated quickly.

“If you have a heart attack and have a coronary artery that is blocked by a blood clot, there are heart muscles that really die at that time,” said Lawler. “The earlier this artery opens, the better.”

For people who have a cardiac arrest and stopping their heart, important organs lose oxygen and blood that can also kill someone.

“For about every minute that passes, the chances of a surviving person become if they are not revived by 7%-10%.”

The heart muscle pumps blood into different parts of the body. When the heart stops beating, blood stagnates and does not reach any important organs. ACFR's new Lifepak is a multifunctional device that can help people suffer from all kinds of heart disease. Lawler said that people who have a cardiac arrest, heart attacks or generalized chest pain can use the new lifepak.

“It is a very valuable instrument, and we couldn't do the things we do in the field for patients without them,” said Lawler.

The lifepak can forward information to the nearby emergency rooms and accelerate the communication he accelerates so that patients can be seen immediately in a critical condition. In Augusta County in particular, the response time can be delayed due to the travel time. According to size, Augusta County is the second largest county in Virginia, and in contrast to urban areas, the EMS crews can stand with time challenges when reaction.

Lawler said the best life -saving measure was CPR training and understand where the next AED is. He said many deaths could be prevented if a viewer had been taken care of immediately.

“Some help is better than no help,” said Lawler. “Even if you only get involved and start with your hands of breast compressions, get on your chest on your chest and push it. Call 911 and get an AED, the more likely someone has a chance to survive.”

Lawler recommended people to download the PulsePoint app to keep their community safely. He said someone could collapse a few gears in the grocery store and any attempt by CPR can help save a person's lives.

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