Commission Approves Purchase of Lifesaving Equipment for VFDs

The Tuscaloosa County Commission has approved a purchase order of lifesaving and medical equipment.

In a Wednesday afternoon press release, the Commission detailed the unanimous approval of $400,000 worth of medical equipment. The order will include:

• Lucas-3 automated CPR devices
• LIFEPAK external defibrillators

The order will benefit volunteer fire departments (VFDs) across the county.

“Putting these state-of-the-art devices in the hands of our VFDs will improve lifesaving measures in the rural areas of the county,” TCC chairman Rob Robertson said in a press release. “The Commission is appreciative of the critical work done by volunteer fire departments and hopes this equipment will save lives.”

According to the release, a Lucas-3 CPR device is battery-operated and can simulate CPR chest compressions for nearly an hour. The LIFEPAK defibrillators will be critical for near-death experiences when CPR is not enough to resuscitate a victim.

These tools are expected to be helpful in allowing first responders to multitask through life-or-death response situations.