Starke County EMS Receives Another Donation for Lucas Device

Posted on January 14, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Another Starke County ambulance will be equipped with another Lucas Device, thanks to the generosity of the Knox VFW Post #748.

Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the Starke County Commissioners last week that the $15,000 donation from the Knox VFW Post #748 will purchase the piece of equipment.  The Lucas Device delivers automated chest compressions at the recommended depth and rate with no pauses.  With this upcoming purchase, all three primary ambulances will be equipped with the life-saving equipment.

With this recent donation, the VFW has donated $30,000 toward the purchase of the equipment for the EMS Department.

Clary also presented a quote to the commissioners for a new cardiac monitor to replace one that recently failed.

“These cardiac monitors are state-required for paramedic ambulances,” said Clary.  “They measure blood pressure, pulse oximeter, cardiovert, the fast heart rate, they pace the slow heart rate, they defibrillate, they do everything. They come with a big price tag at $21,158.”

The commissioners approved the purchase with the $6,000 trade-in value for the failed monitor.  Clary said the device will arrive in about a week.

The county council will have to decide if they want to finance the device like what they previously approved with the purchase of two similar devices last year.  It was a five-year, zero percent financing option.  They will discuss that next week.