Introduction: Quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation are crucial in the survival of patients in cardiac arrest. We must perform chest compressions with a depth of 5 to 6 centimeters and a frequency of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Such even speed and depth of compressions is rarely achieved in manual resuscitation. With the help of mechanical chest compression devices, an improvement in the outcome of resuscitation was expected. In the beginning, these devices have been associated with a higher incidence of patient injury compared to manual chest compressions. LUCAS is one of the devices for performing chest compressions, which with the help of a push rod, on which there is a suction cup, presses on the sternum with a steady rhythm of 100 compressions per minute and a fixed depth of 4 to 5 centimeters. Purpose: The aim of this bachelor’s thesis is to investigate the role of the nurse in the use of LUCAS device during resuscitation. We are interested in when the use of LUCAS device is justified, what is its effectiveness, the consequences of its use and the role of the nurse when using it. Methods: In this bachelor’s thesis, we conducted a literature review. Professional and scientific literature was searched in the PubMed database. The literature was searched for the period from 2010 to 2022. Keywords were related to the content of the bachelor’s thesis. Results: Graduated nurses working in the out-of-hospital environment need the ability to independently assess and care for patients in different health conditions and in different environments, their presence is crucial in direct patient care, technical training of teams, in the creation of nursing protocols and didactic materials, and in staff supervision. Quality chest compressions are essential in resuscitation, as they directly affect the patient's survival. The LUCAS device provides quality and constant chest compressions that are just as effective as manual chest compressions. LUCAS does not improve the chance of return of spontaneous circulation. The LUCAS device does not increase the chance of life-threatening injuries compared to manual chest compressions and can be used during patient transport. Discussion and conclusion: Constant practical training of resuscitation procedures reduces the loss of knowledge and skills, and we gain expertise and improve self-efficacy. For graduated nurses, who are often involved as first responders in emergency situations, continuing education is crucial for patient safety. Manual CPR in the out-of-hospital or in-hospital environment is beset by quality problems and frequent interruptions of chest compressions. The quality of the compressions is also affected by the fatigue of the rescuers. When correctly installed and used, the LUCAS device provides the patient with high-quality and constant chest compressions, even in cases where high-quality manual chest compressions would be impractical or dangerous for rescuers. By using the LUCAS device, we can relieve the graduated nurses during resuscitation and make sure that they safely perform all other tasks.
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