A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes elevating the head, heart and shoulders of an individual from a starting elevation angle to a final elevation angle greater than zero degrees relative to horizontal while performing CPR by repeatedly compressing the chest. The method includes elevating the brain within a time period selected to be slow enough to permit a sufficient amount of blood to flow to the brain throughout the elevation time period. The method also includes regulating the intrathoracic pressure of the individual while performing CPR. The performance of chest compressions is stopped and after stopping the performance of chest compressions, the head, heart, and shoulders are promptly from the final elevation angle within a timeframe selected to prevent significant drainage of blood from the brain until the head, heart and shoulders are lowered.

This document describes an electrode assembly for use with a defibrillator, the electrode assembly comprising at least one electrode including a first surface that can be affixed to either of a pediatric patient and an adult patient and a second surface, wherein a majority of the second surface includes pictorial instructions related to use of the electrode assembly; and a chest compression sensor attached to the at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to be used on an adult patient when the electrode assembly is in a first orientation, and wherein the at least one electrode is configured to be used on a pediatric patient when the electrode assembly is in a second orientation.

Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus. In addition, the methods and device allow for timed delivery of ventilations based on a condition of a thoracic cavity to increase the amount and efficiency of blood flow during a resuscitation procedure.

A portable medical device having a reliable readiness indicator. Embodiments provide a reliable readiness indicator with an active clasp that holds the garment in place. The clasp is enabled by the defibrillator when it is ready for use. If the clasp is not enabled the garment cannot be worn comfortably, and it becomes apparent to the patient that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.

In some embodiments, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may output an opening human-perceptible indication, after detecting a shockable cardiac arrhythmia but before validating it. This may succeed in informing the patient that the WCD system is working, and in particular analyzing a just-detected cardiac arrhythmia. The information may give comfort and confidence to the patient who may be conscious, and be experiencing only ventricular tachycardia but not ventricular fibrillation.

An automated resuscitation system is provided, which can improve the outcome of patients suffering ventricular fibrillation or the ventricular tachycardia variants of cardiac arrest. This outcome can be achieved by a device that integrates automatic mechanical or pneumatic capability with electrical countershock capability such that the probability of defibrillation or cardioversion with return of spontaneous circulation is increased.

A system for managing treatment of a person in need of emergency assistance is provided. The system includes at least one camera configured to be mounted to a person in need of medical assistance. The system also includes an image processing device, which can be configured to receive images captured by the at least one camera and to process the images to generate a representation of a rescue scene surrounding the person. The system further includes an analysis device. The analysis device can be configured to determine a characteristic associated with a resuscitation activity based on analysis of the representation of the rescue scene generated by the image processing device. A computer-implemented method for managing treatment of a person in need of emergency assistance is also provided.

A feedback device for an acute care provider includes: at least one motion sensor; a haptic output component for providing feedback having a varying haptic pattern to the acute care provider regarding performance of a resuscitation activity; and a controller. The controller can be configured to receive and process a signal representative of performance of the resuscitation activity from the at least one motion sensor, compare the acute care provider's performance of the resuscitation activity to a target performance of the resuscitation activity, and cause the haptic output component to provide haptic feedback to the acute care provider by changing the haptic pattern based, at least in part, on the signal from the at least one motion sensor and the comparison of the acute care provider's performance to the target performance of the resuscitation activity. The device can be adapted to be wrist-worn by the acute care provider.

The present invention relates to a device, and software and methodology associated with a portable Automated External Defibrillator (“AED”). The portable AED works with a mobile device and software, and includes two or more cardiac pads, a battery pack, and specialized capacitor. When connected to a patient in cardiac arrest, the AED contacts Emergency Medical Services, and records patient information to be transmitted for evaluation by medical providers. The AED is able to analyze cardiac rhythms, suggests administering one or more shocks to the patient in appropriate cardiac arrhythmia, and guides a user on proper CPR technique, if enabled. The AED software can alert other personnel via a mobile device app.

A defibrillator (AED) and method for using a defibrillator using two different ECG analysis algorithms which work sequentially to improve the accuracy of AED shock decisions. A first algorithm, such as (ART), is particularly suited for analysis in the presence of CPR periods. A second algorithm, such as (PAS), is particularly suited for analysis during hands-off periods. The AED switches algorithms depending on the period and on the current analysis of the cardiac rhythm. The inventions thus provide an optimized ECG analysis scheme in a manner that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.