Local emergency teams unite around lifesaving LUCAS 3 CPR devices. Pictured from left to right: Kevin Warr, battalion chief, Fairfield Plantation Fire rescue; Destin Wendlandt, deputy chief, Fairfield Plantation Fire Rescue; Dave Wade, interim chief, Carroll County Fire Rescue; Allen English, chief, City of Carrollton Fire Department; Brian Daniel, battalion chief, City of Carrollton Fire Department; Chris Sims, operations manager, West Georgia Ambulance; and Amy Jerome, EMS director, West Georgia Ambulance.
First responders across Carroll County are now better equipped to save lives, thanks to a coordinated effort among local public safety agencies to enhance emergency cardiac care.
Through a joint initiative — involving Carroll County Fire Rescue, City of Carrollton Fire Department, Fairfield Plantation Fire Rescue, Tanner Health and West Georgia Ambulance — all EMS first response units in the county have been outfitted with Stryker LUCAS® 3 chest compression systems. These advanced devices deliver automated, consistent chest compressions, helping improve survival rates for patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Developed by Stryker, the LUCAS 3 system ensures adequate circulation to the brain and vital organs during cardiac arrest.
The device is a small compression machine that’s placed around a person’s torso and fixed to their chest.
It works by automating chest compressions for responders, allowing them to perform other life-saving interventions during an emergency.
The rollout reflects a shared commitment among local public safety leaders, including Dave Wade, interim chief, Carroll County Fire Rescue; Allen English, chief, City of Carrollton Fire Department; Sam Hyde, chief, Fairfield Plantation Fire Rescue; and Amy Jerome, EMS director, West Georgia Ambulance.
“Having a tool that ensures consistent compressions — especially during longer transports common in our rural areas — can mean the difference between life and death,” said Wade. “This initiative puts powerful technology in the hands of every first responder, no matter where the emergency occurs.”
“We’ve trained for years to deliver high-quality CPR in the toughest conditions — but the LUCAS 3 device raises the standard,” said Hyde. “It performs compressions flawlessly, so our teams can stay focused, move quickly and give patients the best possible chance.”
Lightweight, durable and easy to use, the LUCAS 3 system integrates with advanced life support procedures, including defibrillation and transport, helping ensure high-quality care in any setting.
“This is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said English. “By strengthening collaboration across departments and organizations, we’re not only prioritizing the health and safety of our community — we’re improving outcomes and saving lives.”
Tanner Health and West Georgia Ambulance are proud of the relationships shared with first responders across Carroll County — and throughout west Georgia and east Alabama. Their continued collaboration reflects a shared dedication to enhancing emergency medical services and improving patient outcomes.
Local public safety leaders also extend their sincerest thanks to Alecia Searcy, finance director of Carroll County; the Carroll County Board of Commissioners; Carrollton City Council; Betty Cason, City of Carrollton mayor; David Brooks, city manager for City of Carrollton; and Fairfield Plantation Board of Directors for their support in making this life-saving initiative possible.
By adopting the LUCAS 3 device, Carroll County joins a growing number of Georgia counties leveraging innovative technologies to strengthen emergency response — a meaningful advancement in protecting residents across our community.
For more information about the LUCAS 3 chest compression system, visit lucas-cpr.com.
