Meet Auto Pulse – a CPR Machine That Goes Far Beyond the Human Touch

The number of people who die each year from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is roughly equivalent to the number who die from Alzheimer’s disease, assault with firearms, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, diabetes, HIV, house fires, motor vehicle accidents, prostate cancer and suicides combined (source: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation).

When a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), he or she needs chest compressions immediately. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides chest compressions but must be practiced according to the latest 2010 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation protocols, which could get confusing and overwhelming in the time of a cardiac emergency. Because of this, many healthcare professionals choose to become CPR certified through a course and final exam or are required to by their employer. CPR, however, is changing as medical technology is shifting.

How Auto Pulse is Saving Lives

In Manatee County, FL, emergency medical services (EMS) have invested in life-saving tools. The newest medical innovation, known as Auto Pulse, has the ability to do what humans can not in regards to CPR. Like Manatee County, several EMS all over the nation have invested in these $20,000 life-saving machines. (source: WFLA)

Traditional CPR administered by a rescuer requires a profuse amount of exertion and energy that many find extremely tiring. This certainly plays a factor in survival rates among victims who have received CPR. The Auto Pulse was designed to be the solution to this challenging disparity. The machine, which takes seconds to strap on, automatically administers 80 compressions per minute, across the entire spectrum of the chest and rib cage for optimal effectiveness, to ensure the victim is receiving the appropriate duration, frequency, and power of compressions.

In addition to improved compression consistency, Auto Pulse allows for EMS to work with the victim in other areas needed while still administering compressions, a task often difficult with traditional CPR. EMS can practice more advanced interventions such as administering breathing tubes and other Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols.

Auto Pulse has already saved several lives since its first model in 2003. In May, Colin Fiedler from Dandenong, Australia, was pronounced clinically dead for about 40 minutes at the Alfred Hospital, according to Daily Mail. Doctors continued to use Auto Pulse, however, and thanks to this ground-breaking cardiac support machine, Fiedler was brought back to life. In Australia alone, there have been at least seven reported patients who have been treated with Auto Pulse, and three have been revived even after being declared clinically dead for over 40 minutes.

CPR Certification for Laypersons

Auto Pulse has the ability to save lives with automated CPR. For laypersons, however, Auto Pulse is not a practical solution as it is expensive and requires knowledge of emergency services to administer. Because of this, laypersons are encouraged to learn CPR. In the case of a cardiac emergency, performing CPR is often the only possible intervention until EMS arrives. There are several ways one can become CPR certified such as online CPR certification or classroom training courses taught locally on the weekend. Regardless, NHCPS encourages all to become CPR certified.

What do you think of Auto Pulse?