MINERAL WELLS — In a move aimed at improving survival outcomes for cardiac arrest patients, the Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District #1 board approved the purchase of mechanical CPR devices in June. By July, the Lifeline ARM XR automated chest compression systems were fully deployed across the county.
The ARM XR, manufactured by Defibtech, delivers consistent, high-quality chest compressions without fatigue—a factor that can significantly impact the effectiveness of manual CPR.
“The ARMs are definitely a big step moving forward in EMS in the county,” Sacred Cross officials said.
“We have already used one of the ARMs, and while the outcome was not what we wanted—because you can’t win them all—this equipment is really going to make a difference,” they added.
Sacred Cross leadership also told the board their crews are enthusiastic about the ARMs, as the devices free responders to perform other critical patient care tasks during transport. They also noted the machines eliminate fatigue on long drives to the hospital, where maintaining consistent compressions can be especially difficult.
Board member Mike Carter praised the partnership with Sacred Cross for helping maximize the ESD’s investment.
“Because of your bulk purchasing power, we were able to get more than we anticipated,” Carter said, noting that the district was able to acquire eight devices instead of the three originally planned.
The eight units were installed at the following EMS locations:
• Mineral Wells EMS Station
• Gordon EMS Station (2 units)
• Possum Kingdom EMS Station
• Graford EMS Station
• County Shift Supervisor unit
• 911 Division Manager
• Possum Kingdom West
Each unit includes a compression module, backboard, battery pack, stabilization straps, carrying case, charger, and power module—all designed to work on patients of varying sizes.
The ARM XR systems not only reduce physical strain on paramedics but also allow smaller teams to more effectively manage cardiac arrest calls in the field.
According to the American Heart Association, continuous, high-quality chest compressions are critical for maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart during cardiac arrest. The ARM XR ensures proper compression depth, rate, and full chest recoil—key factors in improving survivability.
The devices are now active on emergency units operated by Sacred Cross EMS and county first responder organizations. While the initial purchase did not include a preventive maintenance plan, ESD officials have signaled a commitment to the long-term care of the equipment.
Palo Pinto County ESD #1 continues its push to modernize operations and improve patient outcomes. The rollout of mechanical CPR technology represents a major step forward in those efforts.
