The Toombs-Montgomery Emergency Medical Service was recently awarded on of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Board of Directors Grant for a new Lucas Chest Compression System & External Power Supply valued at $13,596.42. The grant was one of 67 Firehouse Subs grants awarded to public safety organizations across the country during the most recent grant application period.

EMS Director Drew James said that the Lucas Devise will provide chest compressions to a patient who is cardiac arrest, providing the EMT with much-needed relieve. James said based on the prognosis of the patient, a technician could spend up to an hour-and-a-half apply compressions manually, but now, that can be done use the new equipment.

James said each EMS station will have a Lucas Device, with a goal of have one on each ambulance in Toombs and Montgomery counties.

EMTs are being taught how to professionally use the device by Jim Jones, Training Officer. Jones said cardiac arrests are unpredictable, noting that recently in a single day local EMS responded to three citizens who were in full arrest, and the Lucas Device has already proven to be a lifesaver.