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New device used by Covington firefighters saves life of 60-year-old woman

The fire department says, the $21,000 device automatically performs CPR or chest compressions to maintain the circulation of oxygen to the brain and heart.
Image via Covington Fire Department

COVINGTON –A 60-year-old woman, who was clinically dead after collapsing in a pharmacy, was saved with the help of a new device given to the Covington Fire Department just a few weeks ago.

According to the Covington Fire Department, 60-year-old Vanessa Dolan, was feeling ill at a local pharmacy and collapsed. A bystander, Stacy Barney, who works for the Florida Parish Detention Center, started performing CPR while others in the pharmacy called 911.

When the fire department arrived, they performed CPR and used a defibrillator to deliver one shock to Dolan. The fire department also used a new piece of equipment called a LUCAS device, which was bought and put into service just one week before the incident.

The fire department says, the $21,000 device automatically performs CPR or chest compressions to maintain the circulation of oxygen to the brain and heart. The use of the device also allowed the fire department and Acadian Ambulance personnel to perform other life-saving tasks.

“I’m so grateful that they didn’t give up on my wife… It was an absolute miracle that everyone was in the right place at the right time, including the new LUCAS device,” Dolan’s husband, Neville, said.

He also thanked Barney for her quick thinking.

“A few seconds make a crucial difference as to whether or not someone comes home… If you think it’s needed – just do it! There is no harm in administering CPR if it’s not necessary but there is a lifesaving difference if you hesitate when it is needed,” Barney said.

According to the fire department, Dolan is preparing to be released from a local hospital after recovering from the incident.

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