The Taylorville Memorial Foundation is putting new lifesaving technology into the hands of local first responders, thanks to a donation from the Butterfield family.

The longtime foundation donors recently shifted funds originally designated for agronomy scholarships to purchase two LUCAS Chest Compression Systems—one for the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and one for the Taylorville Fire Department.

Foundation director Katie Williams says the Butterfield family wanted to make sure their gift was meeting the community’s most immediate needs. She says when applications for the John H. Butterfield Agriscience and Nutrition Scholarship dropped off, Ann Butterfield Kramer asked how the money could better serve the community, and was thrilled to support equipment that honors her father’s legacy.

The LUCAS device provides consistent, automated chest compressions and can continue CPR during transport, reducing fatigue for first responders and improving safety by allowing crews to stay seated and belted.

TMH Chief Nursing Officer Eli Heicher says the technology helps the emergency department treat patients quickly and effectively by delivering high-quality compressions without the risk of human error.

For more information about supporting the Taylorville Memorial Foundation, visit Memorial Health online.