Lifesaving CPR can now be delivered by a high-tech device at Mackay Base Hospital instead of manual chest compressions.
The Corpuls CPR delivers effective and consistent compressions throughout resuscitation on patients as young as eight years of age.
The device will primarily be used in the Emergency Department but can also be used in other areas such as the Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Catheter laboratory.
Director of Emergency Dr Sarah Boxall said while the device would not be used for all resuscitations it would be particularly useful for patients who require a prolonged resuscitation and those who were infectious.
“The usefulness of the machine in infectious patients is that it minimises staff in the room who are required to provide CPR,” she said.
“If we had a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 the Corpuls would play an important role,” Dr Boxall said.
The device takes just minutes to set up and is powered by long-lasting batteries, while the compact size allows a swift transition from clinician to device led compressions to continue providing lifesaving patient care.
Compression rates and depth can be adapted for patient age and anatomy, including a relaxation phase to allow blood flow through the heart muscle.
“It’s designed and programmed to deliver compressions at a constant rate and depth to optimise blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart,” she said.
Intensive Care Specialist and Health Service Lead for Recognition and Response to Acute Deterioration Dr Stephen Luke said the Corpuls CPR is a welcome and exciting addition to the health service.
“Maintaining continuous compressions on patients in cardiac arrest is critical to increasing their chance of survival,” Dr Luke said.
Using the device also makes it easier to perform other procedures while chest compressions continue.
“Clinicians can administer medication, intubate, defibrillate and perform scans before transferring patients to the cardiac catheter lab, where our cardiologists can open blocked coronary arteries and insert stents,” Dr Luke said.
More Information
mhhs-comms@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 0417 756 221
