A rigid back member of an automatic mechanical chest compression device is secured to a torso support platform. The torso support platform includes a main support strap immediately below where the rigid back member is secured to the torso support platform, and an upper support strap above where the rigid back member is secured to the torso support platform. The torso support platform tapers towards the top at approximately where a patient's shoulders are located when properly secured to the torso support platform. Additional straps may also be utilized, for example, shoulder straps extend over the shoulders of the patient and are secured to the torso support platform at a point below the patient's armpits, or straps that extend from the tapered section and secure to the automatic mechanical chest compression device.

Integrated devices for performing external chest compression (ECC) and defibrillation on a person and methods using the devices. Integrated devices can include a backboard, at least one chest compression member operably coupled to the backboard, and a defibrillator module operably coupled to the backboard. The integrated devices can include physiological sensors, electrodes, wheels, controllers, human interface devices, cooling modules, ventilators, cameras, and voice output devices. Methods can include defibrillating, pacing, ventilating, cooling, and performing ECC in an integrated, coordinated, and/or synchronous manner using the full capabilities of the device. Some devices include controllers executing methods for automatically performing the coordinated activities utilizing the device capabilities.

An elevation device used in the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and after resuscitation includes a base and an upper support operably coupled to the base. The upper support is configured to incline at an angle relative to the base to elevate an individual's upper back, shoulders and head. The elevation device includes a support arm coupled with the upper support. The support arm is movable to various positions relative to the upper support and is lockable at a fixed angle relative to the upper support such that the upper support and the support arm are movable as a single unit relative to the base while the support arm maintains the angle relative to the upper support. The elevation device also includes a chest compression device coupled with the support arm. The chest compression device is configured to compress the chest.

A method of increasing blood flow to the head includes causing an individual's blood to circulate while the individual's heart and head are at a first elevation position, elevating the individual's heart and head to a second elevation position that is above the first elevation position, and causing the individual's blood to circulate while the individual's heart and head are at the second elevation position.

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.

Systems, devices and methods for providing active and/or passive compression therapy to a body part can include a compression device worn over a compression stocking. The compression device can have a pulley based drive train that is driven by a motor to tighten and loosen compression elements, such as compression straps, in a precise, rapid, and balanced manner. Sensors can be used in the compression device and/or compression stockings to provide feedback to modulate the compression treatment parameters.

A system and method for determining CPR induced chest compression depth using two sensors while accounting for different orientations of the two sensors.

An intelligent rechargeable battery pack having a battery management system for monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging of the battery pack is described. The battery management system includes primary and secondary protection circuits for monitoring the charging and discharging of the battery. Individual battery cells forming the battery pack are connected by a main bus to a connector for connection to a battery charger or a device to be powered, and the main bus may be interrupted by a switch controlled by the battery management system to prevent damage to the battery during charging or discharging of the battery.

A device and method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient. The device is an extendable airway bridge which is initially in a collapsed or storage configuration. The airway bridge is made of a lightweight, inexpensive material such as high strength cardboard. Upon use, the airway bridge is unfolded and then fixed into an operating configuration through a number of hook and latch fabric portions or an adhesive or glue. Once in the operating configuration, the patient is laid onto the airway bridge which holds the patient in a position so as to prevent occlusion of the patient's oral airway. CPR may then be performed on the patient. After use, the airway bridge may be released and then brought back into the collapsed or storage configuration or, alternatively, simply disposed of.

A device and method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient. The device is an extendable airway bridge which is initially in a collapsed or storage configuration. Upon use, the airway bridge is unfolded and then fixed into an operating configuration by locking at least one incline portion and at least one vertical portion into a static position. The structural strength of the airway bridge is then increased by manipulating a support disposed on the incline portion so that it is engaged with a slot or aperture defined within a base of the airway bridge. Once in the operating configuration, the patient is laid onto the airway bridge which holds the patient in a position so as to prevent occlusion of the patient's oral airway. CPR may then be performed on the patient.