File photo of Lethbridge Fire Station 1 on May 21, 2022. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services implements Cardiac Survivability Program

Jul 29, 2022 | 8:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services (LFES) is now using some new technology, which will increase residents’ chances of survival from cardiac arrest.

The Cardiac Survivability Program started last fall.

Full implementation of new tools began late last month. The new tools used by local crews include a High-Performance CPR system, a mechanical CPR device called Zoll Autopulse, as well as Handtevy Mobile, which is an app-based system to help practitioners with medication administration, equipment preparation and education for pediatric patients.

Adam Perrett, Medical Training Officer with Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services said, “We are the first municipality in Canada to adopt the Handtevy system, which has been a key piece to making our Cardiac Survivability Program a success.”

“LFES has made significant advances on the 10 Steps for Improving Survival from Cardiac Arrests listed by Resuscitation Academy in Seattle,” he stated.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

Perrett continued, “When we started in September 2021, our chest compression fraction hovered between 83 to 87 per cent, whereas now we are consistently between 92 to 95 per cent. This is a significant improvement that brings great pride to our members.”

Some of the other initiatives that LFES has implemented thanks to the Cardiac Survivability Program include:

• Utilizing new online data collection software;
• Initiating an agreement to contribute cardiac arrest data with AHS;
• Establishing a Cardiac Survivability/High-Performance CPR working group;
• Completion of significant training and equipment placed on frontline response apparatus.

More on Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services is at the City of Lethbridge website.