Health board invests in revolutionary life saving equipment 16/7/11
NHS Western Isles has become the first Health Board in Scotland to invest in new equipment to help save the lives of victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
An AutoPulse non invasive cardiac support pump has been purchased for Western Isles
Hospital. The device delivers continuous high quality chest compressions to victims
of cardiac arrest much more effectively than manual compressions, which means improved
blood flow to the heart and brain during sudden cardiac arrest. Additionally, it
offers the benefit of freeing up clinicians to focus on other life-
NHS Western Isles Resuscitation and Clinical Skills Facilitator, Emma-
NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson added: “NHS Western Isles recognises the contribution that this new equipment can make to improving patient care and survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest in certain situations, and this is why we took the decision to become the first Board in Scotland to invest in an AutoPulse.
The importance of being able to provide continuous, high quality chest compressions
during emergency situations -
Appropriate clinical staff have been trained in the use of the AutoPulse and the device will be situated in the Accident and Emergency Department for use as required. NHS Western Isles will be considering the appropriate citing of this type of equipment in additional areas to further support emergency care services in the Western Isles.