Grant helps Barrington Fire Dept. obtain CPR devices

ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus will provide $10,000 for the village of Barrington's purchase of two Lucas CPR mechanical assist devices.

The battery-powered units enhance paramedics' lifesaving efforts for cardiac arrest patients through automated chest compressions, allowing paramedics to concentrate on more advanced resuscitative skills, such as IV access, medication delivery, defibrillation and advanced airway management.

"We are very gratified to have been chosen to receive this grant," said Barrington Fire Chief Jim Arie. "The Lucas CPR device is truly a game-changer in emergency medicine. It handles chest compressions automatically during a cardiac event, freeing up our paramedics and personnel to attend to a patient's other needs during an emergency."