Vic tests new cardiac device
AutoPulse
Victorian rural ambulances will be the first in Australia to use AutoPulse, a machine which administers mechanical heart compressions and is said to be more effective than manual heart massage. It squeezes the patient’s entire chest to provide increased blood flow. Paramedics are then free to work on supplying oxygen, medication, defibrillation equipment or driving the patient to hospital.
Seven machines, costing more than $20,000 each will go to rural Ambulance stations in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.
