Short answers to the questions people ask most. Each answer links to the page with the detail.
Does LUCAS replace manual CPR?
Only the pushing part, and only once trained rescuers have fitted it. Someone still starts manual compressions immediately, and someone still manages breathing, shocks and drugs. Guidelines say to use the device where good manual compressions are not practical, not as a routine replacement. See Clinical evidence.
Does it save more lives than manual CPR?
Not in the large trials. LINC and PARAMEDIC, with more than 7,000 patients between them, found survival about the same with the device as with good manual CPR. It may help in specific situations that the trials did not test well, such as very long resuscitations. See Clinical evidence.
Is it safe? Does it break ribs?
Chest compressions of any kind commonly break ribs; that is the cost of pushing hard enough to move blood. Studies comparing injuries after manual and mechanical CPR find broadly similar rates of rib and breastbone fractures, with weak evidence either way on rarer injuries. The device has fit limits and should not be used on people whose chests are too small or too large for it.
Can it be used on children?
No. It is designed for adult chests: the breastbone must sit between about 17 and 30 cm above the back plate and the chest must be no wider than about 45 cm. Small adults may also be outside the range. See How it works.
Can a bystander or family buy and use one?
It is a prescription medical device sold to healthcare organisations and intended for trained professionals. For a member of the public, the far more useful things are learning hands-only CPR and knowing where the nearest public defibrillator is.
How long does the battery last?
About 45 minutes of continuous compressions on a full charge for the current model. Plugged into a vehicle or wall socket it runs indefinitely and charges at the same time. Batteries are swapped in seconds. See How it works.
How fast and how deep does it press?
The default is 102 compressions a minute at 53 mm, a little over 5 cm, with equal time pressing and releasing. Version 3.1 lets a service choose 102, 111 or 120 a minute and a depth between 45 and 53 mm. See How it works.
Can you defibrillate while it is running?
Yes. Pads go on the chest either side of the suction cup, and the device does not need to be stopped for a shock. Teams usually pause it briefly to read the heart rhythm cleanly, then restart.
Who makes it, and what does the name mean?
LUCAS stands for Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System. It was developed in Lund, Sweden, made by a company called Jolife AB, which was bought by Physio-Control in 2011, which in turn was bought by Stryker in 2016. See History and development.
What is the difference between LUCAS 2 and LUCAS 3?
The compressions are the same. LUCAS 3 is easier to clean and service and records each use; version 3.1 adds adjustable rate and depth, wireless reporting and configurable alerts. See Device versions.
Is this site connected to Stryker?
No. It is independent, takes no money from any device maker, and uses no manufacturer images. LUCAS is a trademark of Jolife AB, a Stryker company. See About this site.