" Thumper " to the rescue !

Usually, when a new piece of medical equipment arrives and starts to save lives it's cost is measured in millions and it's complexity takes an advanced degree in science to understand.

One of our biggest killers is a heart attack and the first requirement of those giving aid is to  start CPR to maintain blood flow to the brain.   Without oxygen flowing through the blood to the brain we have about four minutes before irreversible damage starts to affect the vital brain function.

A woman in Victoria survived for forty-two minutes receiving " automated  CPR " while a cardiologist did an angiogram to clear a blocked heart artery.   This treatment was delivered by a machine known as a " Lucas 2 " - which is more commonly known in the medical profession as " a Thumper " !   It simply rhythmically compresses the chest to artificially duplicate the normal heart function.

This opens a whole new way of saving lives if such a basic machine can be widely available as a first aid method.    Many first aid responders are taught that the compression rate is ideally matched to the beat of the Bee Gee's song - " Staying Alive ", but human hands can only maintain that rhythm for a limited amount of time.    Use of a relatively cheap machine can expand this survival function exponentially.

The " Thumper " is basically a logical piece of engineering that needs two simple adjustments.  It needs to be capable of being fitted to the differing sizes of an adult or a child's body and consequently - to conform to the depth of compression needed.    This simplicity should bring it into the price range for a wide distribution.  Ideally, there should be one at every surf club aid station and  it could be a handy survival tool in every road ambulance.

Sadly, it is reported that this " Thumper " in a Victorian hospital is the only one in Australia.     Now it depends on whether our health system can expand to the challenge offering - or if this life saving opportunity is left to wallow in the usual time delay that besets medical decision making !