Panhandle hospitals receive life-saving devices

More than 55 trainees from 15 hospitals, fire crews and EMS squads gathered in the Regional West Sorensen Education Center for training on how to use their new Lucas2 chest compression devices.

The devices were made possible with grant funds from Nebraska Health and Human Services, and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The three-year, $6 million grant is being used to purchase lifesaving equipment for ambulances and hospitals.

The CPR devices will increase the chance of survival for Nebraskans in cardiac arrest.

During a heart attack, patients need a steady supply of oxyg...