Lakewood’s EMS department is getting ready to roll out a new lifesaving device.

The Department recently took delivery of three AutoPulse machines, and on Thursday held their first training session for it.

At about $12,000 a piece, these devices provide pulsation to the heart while entrapping the body and squeeze the heart – a different method and concept than the Thumper device. The device will be utilized on Cardiac Arrest patients, and will provide the compressions during CPR.

“Not only is this beneficial for the patient to be receiving consistent and precise compressions, but provides the first responder a level of safety and help while transporting the patient to the local hospital,” Lakewood EMS Chief Crystal Van de Zilver tells TLS.

“This is a nice addition moving into the next generation of medical treatment for the Department,” Van de Zilver says.
The Department is currently training all EMS personnel in use of the device, and expects to roll them out within the next few weeks. The devices will be carried on the primary ambulances.

The Chief says she also intends to conduct cross-training with the various other emergency services in town so they can help provide treatment when working at a scene together.

“The Lakewood EMS Department is grateful and excited that we are able to add the Auto Pulse to the growing need of providing exceptional care to the residence of Lakewood Township,” says Van de Zilver.

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