City of Corona

For Immediate Release 
March 25, 2019

CORONA FIRE IMPLEMENTS NEW LIFE-SAVING TECHNOLOGY: AUTOPULSE

CORONA, CA– The Corona Fire Department is proud to announce every front-line fire apparatus is now equipped with AutoPulse, a life-saving device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The AutoPulse, by ZOLL Medical, provides mechanical CPR during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

As an Advanced Life Support first responding agency, the Corona Fire Department relies on training and technology when responding to emergencies involving sudden cardiac arrest. “In addition to a quick response and manual CPR, the ability to use an AutoPulse unit can mean the difference between life and death,” says EMS Specialist and Firefighter Paramedic Steve Wells.

"There are times when manual CPR is not possible or effective, either because of stability and maneuverability challenges," Wells said. "The AutoPulse unit gives our firefighters the ability to provide consistent and uninterrupted chest compressions, within minutes of arriving on the scene. These compressions can remain uninterrupted while transporting in an ambulance, all the way to the hospital."

Mechanical CPR devices, such as the AutoPulse, are an effective way to free up paramedics and EMTs to engage in other critical interventions during cardiac arrest. Manual CPR has been shown to have limitations. This device is designed to overcome those limitations. With the AutoPulse, CPR is delivered through a load-distributing band that consistently squeezes the entire chest.

The AutoPulse unit is backpack-style for portability. It weighs around 35 pounds and includes a solid backboard and a soft stretcher for easier maneuvering. The unit comes with two batteries, each which will hold a 30-minute charge.

If you would like to learn more about AutoPulse, please contact Steven Wells at 951-736-2215 or email Steven.Wells@CoronaCA.gov.

About ZOLL Medical Corporation:ZOLL Medical Corporation is committed to developing technologies that help advance the practice of resuscitation. With products for pacing, defibrillation, circulation, ventilation, and fluid resuscitation, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help clinicians, EMS professionals, and lay rescuers resuscitate sudden cardiac arrest or trauma victims. For more information, visit www.zoll.com. 

About the City of Corona:Corona is located adjacent to Orange County California at the junction of the91 and 15 freeways with a population of more than 160,000 residents. For more information regarding the City of Corona visit www.CoronaCA.gov.

Media Contact
Daniel Yonan
Firefighter, City of Corona
951-736-2220
Daniel.Yonan@CoronaCA.gov

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