LAKE PLACID, Fla. — Patients at AdventHealth Lake Placid now have access to advanced, life‑saving technology made possible through generous community donations to the AdventHealth Lake Placid Foundation.
The hospital recently added a LUCAS (Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System) device, which delivers continuous, mechanical chest compressions for patients experiencing cardiac arrest. By providing consistent, high‑quality CPR, the device helps keep blood flowing to the heart and brain during critical moments.
Jose Torres-Ocasio, a nurse manager in the AdventHealth Lake Placid emergency department, said the device’s ability to provide constant, consistent compressions, allows care teams to focus on performing other life-saving tasks on the patient.
“When a patient is in cardiac arrest, every second matters,” Torres-Ocasio said. “The LUCAS device can provide high‑quality compressions without tiring, so our team can concentrate on other urgent interventions like managing the airway, intubation or administering medications, all of which can improve a patient’s chances of surviving and recovering.”
The device can be deployed within seconds and is designed for quick transport to any area of the hospital where it’s needed. Its battery operates for about 40 minutes, but when connected to an electrical source, it can run continuously without losing compression depth.
“This technology gives our patients a better chance in some of the most critical situations,” Torres-Ocasio said. “We are grateful to have it here and deeply appreciative of the community members who made this possible.”
To learn more about AdventHealth Lake Placid and the care and services it provides, visit AdventHealthLakePlacid.com.