Vintage Ambulance Equipment - HLR (Heart Lung Resuscitator)

[wkat950]

They used something similar- kind of like a belt- on Robert Kennedy when he got to Central Receiving after his shooting. With the brain damage it was a good bet he wasn't coming back but for some reason they coded him.

[RJBFIRECHIEF1]

Problem # 1 it uses up o2, # 2 they continue even when a heartbeat returns. #3 if the pt's chest is wet, they slip off and break ribs! It was clumsy.

[chamomille63]

About ten years ago I worked for a service who had thumpers by protocol. I thought it took longer to get the equipment to the patient and set it up than it did to get the patient to the ambulance while doing compressions.

[idigghx]

Now if you could hook a breathing circuit to the exhaust valve that stops for ventilation; you could strap a mask to their face and "Set it and Forget it". Ha Ha. Cool video, I've been an EMT for ten years, I'm an EMS History fan, but I'd never seen a thumper type unit work. Very cool.

[pontiacambulance]

Thanks for the comment.

This device was built by Brunswick Manufacturing and according to the serial number was manufactured on September 23rd, 1963. It is the right age to be used in either my 67 or 69 ambulances.

Brunswick Manufacturing is still in business. I have been in contact with them regarding this unit and they will send me the owners manual and the O2 mask and appropriate tubing.