In one embodiment, a defibrillation assembly energizable through case opening is provided. The defibrillation assembly includes an electromechanical component; an energy storage element that supplies power to the electromechanical component; circuitry configured to generate a defibrillation waveform, wherein the circuitry is isolated from the energy storage element by the electromechanical component; a housing within which the circuitry is located; and a case within which at least a portion of the housing is located, wherein an opening of the case causes the power to flow to the circuitry through the electro-mechanical component.

A defibrillation assembly energizable through pad removal is provided. The defibrillation assembly includes an electromechanical component; an energy storage element that supplies power to the electromechanical component; circuitry configured to generate a defibrillation waveform, wherein the circuitry is isolated from the energy storage element by the electromechanical component; and electrode pads through which the defibrillation waveform is delivered to a patient, wherein a removal of at least one of the electrode pads from an initial position to a further position causes the power to flow to the circuitry through the electro-mechanical component.

A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient, comprising at least two high-voltage defibrillation electrodes, a first electrical unit comprising circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts to the rescuer, a second electrical unit separate from the first unit and comprising circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the electrodes, and circuitry for providing at least one electrical connection between the first and second units. In another aspect, at least two electrical therapy electrodes adapted to be worn by the patient for extended periods of time, circuitry for monitoring the ECG of the patient, an activity sensor adapted to be worn by the patient and capable of providing an output from which the patient's current activity can be estimated, and at least one processor configured for estimating the patient's current activity by analyzing the output of the activity sensor, analyzing the ECG of the patient, and determining whether electrical therapy should be delivered to the electrodes.

AED pulse generation circuits that provide floating, adjustable, bias voltages for driving a solid-state defibrillation waveform therapy generator circuit are provided. The provided bias voltages allow to reverse polarity of provided electric shock to increase chances of successful defibrillation and survival. In one of the provided configurations, energy stored in the pulse capacitor can be discharged by activating the waveform therapy generator in the high-resistance transconductance region. The circuits can be positioned on a self-contained module potted with an insulating material to reduce unintended interactions with other AED components. Through the use of the disclosed circuits, AED size can be reduced to promote pocketability while simultaneously increasing AED reliability.

A wearable cardiac defibrillator (WCD) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments the WCD system includes a microphone that can sense when a bystander speaks a preset delaying word like WAIT or NO, and prevent the discharge.

A wearable cardiac defibrillator (WCD) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments, the WCD system may detect whether it is being touched by a bystander and, if so, prevent the discharge.

A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) comprises a plurality of electrocardiography (ECG) electrodes. An episode is opened responsive to a string of consecutive segments meeting one or more shock criteria, and a shockable rhythm is confirmed for the episode responsive to a subsequent string of consecutive segments meeting one or more confirmation criteria.

Cardiopulmonary Protection Devices may be provided by a device comprising: a chest portion having at least a first electrical resistance; a first and second wing portion, each having at least a second electrical resistance, wherein the chest portion is joined to the first wing portion and second wing portion via a first joinery section and a second joinery section, respectively; wherein the chest portion, when deployed, covers a chest area of a patient sufficient to simultaneously accommodate a rescuers hands and defibrillator pads, while at least a windpipe and neck area, a forearm area, and a subxiphoid area of the patient are unobscured by the CPR protection device; wherein the first electrical resistance is sufficient to limit a leakage current resulting from a defibrillation shock though the chest portion to a predetermined amperage.

AED pulse generation circuits that provide floating, adjustable, bias voltages for driving a solid-state defibrillation waveform therapy generator circuit are provided. The provided bias voltages allow to reverse polarity of provided electric shock to increase chances of successful defibrillation and survival. In one of the provided configurations, energy stored in the pulse capacitor can be discharged by activating the waveform therapy generator in the high-resistance transconductance region. The circuits can be positioned on a self-contained module potted with an insulating material to reduce unintended interactions with other AED components. Through the use of the disclosed circuits, AED size can be reduced to promote pocketability while simultaneously increasing AED reliability.

In one embodiment, a defibrillation assembly energizable through case opening is provided. The defibrillation assembly includes a mechanical switch; an energy storage element that supplies power to the mechanical switch; circuitry configured to generate a defibrillation waveform, wherein the circuitry is isolated from the energy storage element by the mechanical switch; a case within which at least a portion of the circuitry is located, wherein an opening of the case causes the power to flow to the circuitry through the mechanical switch.