Two New Life-Saving Mechanical Chest Compression Devices

Date: 01/14/2025

Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital is pleased to announce the acquisition of two chest compression devices, made possible by a grant through the Maine Emergency Medical Services Stabilization Program. These advanced medical machines, designed to provide high-quality chest compressions during CPR, will significantly enhance the hospital's ability to deliver life-saving care to patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

The device is a portable, automated chest compression system that provides consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions, freeing up medical professionals to focus on other critical tasks during cardiac emergencies. The addition of these devices to Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital's life-saving tools will undoubtedly improve patient outcomes and save lives.

According to Michael St. Laurent, EMT-P, manager of EMS operations for Sebasticook Valley Hospital, “Manual chest compressions require swapping out the person doing compressions every two minutes. This can be challenging, and we are often reliant on local emergency services teams to assist. These devices will relieve the need for additional manpower and allow EMS personnel to attend to other urgent matters such as airway management, IV access, and medication administration."

One chest compression device will be deployed on a 24-hour ambulance, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care while being transported at any hour. The second machine will be stationed on an ambulance that runs 12 hours daily. In the hours when the 12-hour ambulance is not in operation, the device will be available in the emergency room to assist overnight staff. St. Laurent has scheduled training sessions for Sebasticook Valley Hospital EMS and Emergency Department staff, as well as local first responders that assist in emergency calls related to the hospital.

"We are incredibly grateful for the state grant funding that has allowed us to acquire these cutting-edge devices," said Randy Clark, MBA, president of Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital. "The chest compression machines will enable our skilled medical professionals to deliver even more effective and efficient care to our patients during cardiac emergencies, both in the field and within the hospital."

Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital remains committed to offering the latest advancements in medical technology and expertise to its patients. The acquisition of these life-saving devices is just one example of the hospital's dedication to providing exceptional care to the community.