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La Habra Heights fire department showcases donated LUCAS CPR device and accepts Firehouse Subs PPE grant
Summary
The city’s fire department demonstrated a donated LUCAS automated chest-compression device, highlighted training and improved ROSC figures, and the council accepted a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant of $38,598.56 to replace turnout gear.
La Habra Heights firefighters demonstrated a donated LUCAS automated chest-compression device and explained how the device supports uninterrupted, consistent chest compressions while freeing crew members to deliver medications and manage airways.
Fire Chief Martin told the council the device has been approved for La Habra Heights by the LA County EMS Agency (March 26, 2025), is carried on engine 247, and that about 90% of the firefighting crew has been trained to use it. Chief Martin described the device’s benefits: consistent compressions (up to 120 per minute), reduced provider fatigue, and the ability to use the device while moving patients on stair chairs or into elevators.
Chief Martin cited return-of-spontaneous-circulation (ROSC) figures in support of mechanical compressions, saying pre-device ROSC rates for prehospital cardiac arrests are commonly cited at 5–8% and that published reports have shown improvements to rates “up to 30%” with mechanical devices; the chief thanked local donors who made the unit available.
Separately, the council accepted a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant to replace expiring personal protective equipment. Council adopted Resolution 2025-11 accepting $38,598.56 from the foundation and designated the deputy fire chief to execute grant agreements. Fire staff noted many turnout coats and pants are reaching the department’s 10-year service life and the grant will offset replacement costs.
What’s next: The department will finalize procurement of PPE and coordinate a public handoff/thank-you with the foundation and donors once equipment arrives. Training and deployment plans for the LUCAS device are already in place; staff said the unit is available on engine 247 for responses.
Quotation: On the device’s operational benefit, the chief explained the unit "provides uninterrupted cardiac chest compressions delivered at a consistent rate and depth while allowing for full chest recoil," and on the grant he said the award would "go a long way to help replace" expired turnout gear.
