AutoPulse

[CamMedic]

The third-service agency I work FT for has just placed these on our units and I've just completed the in-service. Did a search here on the forums and most of the threads regarding this device were a bit "older" so I thought I'd toss this out for more updated thoughts and opinions.

Anyone here have any previous experience with these and what were your experiences?

Here are my initial negative thoughts:
1. H-E-A-V-Y!!!!!!!
2. Seems cumbersome and not as quick to deploy as advertised, esp. for a two-medic crew
3. Seems like it could cause some difficulty during pt. transfer on scene due the extra weight and size of the device
4. Seems like it could make transfer of care to the ED staff a bit more difficult, esp. if they are not in any way familiar with the device ( how do you handle this?)
5. Yet another battery-operated device

Some positives:
1. No need for someone to do continuous chest compressions - will help prevent rescuer fatigue
2. More consistent, uninterrupted compressions
3. Increased provider safety during transport

Thanks!

[brudyaw10]

Sorry, I can't provide you any feedback on the deice. I wish my service would provide us with one. But, all of your positive feedbacks outway the negatives. Especially #3...You get a brand new employee of their first code- you will fly in the back of the unit..!

[edpmedic]

I worked for Charleston County EMS in SC in '08, and used the autopulse several times. I can feel a strong carotid, and also maintain a pulse ox in the 80's if it is a fresh arrest. I've been told by CC that save stats were greater with the autopulse, than without. You'll need more than two providers to move the pt, that's for sure. At the ED, do the moving yourself, to mitigate any potential transfer issues It's also easy to tube while the device is working. Each autopulse should have two batteries available at any time. I wish we had them in Fairfax County.

[emscheetah]

Your in luck, my city which is the 4th largest in the US is doing the most comprehensive study on the Autopulse to date. Our cardiac arrest save rate has always been top 10 in the country, and with as many arrests as we run EVERY day... itll be interesting to say the least to find out the results of our study.

I am personally mixed right now, I am seeing a lot of barotrauma that results from this device. To me it seems to be a way more common occurrence than in manual CPR.

Batteries seem to be an issue (with much use) so keep as many as you can charged and close at hand.

It will be difficult with the oblongly shaped people that are most ofter the victims of cardiac arrests, very touchy to not get an initialization error.

Zoll totes this thing pretty highly, as expected but I believe that we will only know the results when its all said and done.

Will it be REVOLUTIONARY... i doubt it

If you have any more specific questions... shoot.

[edpmedic]

Yeah, I forgot, if you're obese, you're S.O.L. with this device. Barotrauma aside, I do believe that the device is more effective than manual cx compressions. Providers often times forget to switch every two minutes per AHA, so effectiveness will drop off. Quality of compressions will vary from person to person, as well.

[RemptyP]

We just ended a trial of the Autopulse early due to repeated failures of the device. Battery problems, initialization problems. The idea may be good, but the devices are not yet ready for prime time.

[croaker260]

Any input or feedback on the LUCAS CPR device from Physio????

[Firemedic 61]

We were one of the first in South Fla to use the AutoPulse and we got rid of it just as fast. The biggest problems were battery life, barotruama and extra weight. Batteries last 10 min max after a few months, many patients that did regain spontaneous circulation needed a trauma center and the extra weight going down stairs was just a huge pain in the ***. I will say it produced very good circulation, just as long as it stayed in place. The rep gave us big zip ties to hold it to the back board but they never stayed in place. I'd like to try another device instead.