Shoals Ambulance will deploy automated chest compression devices, also known as automated CPR machines, in all 10 ambulances serving the county 9-1-1 system in the coming weeks.

On Thursday, April 4 at 3 p.m. and Friday, April 5 at 8 a.m. at the Shoals Ambulance headquarters at 310 East Dr. Hicks Drive, Shoals Ambulance is holding an initial training and demonstration for these new devices and is offering an opportunity for local media to get a preview of this new equipment.

Shoals Ambulance is the only service in Northwest Alabama to have these devices on every ambulance in the county fleet and represents a more than $100,000 investment in clinical equipment upgrades in Lauderdale County.

 The Lifeline ARM automated chest compression devices will standardize and maximize the depth and rhythm of chest compressions while keeping the hands of the EMT and paramedics free to administer additional care or move the patient. The devices also remove the chance for human error and fatigue that accompanies extended manual CPR in the field.

The device is easy to carry and handle, and can be applied to the patient with interruptions of manual compressions of less than 20 seconds.