In various embodiments, an apparatus to aid in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), may include: a support structure (200, 300, 400) shaped to support a head and neck of a patient at respective positions suitable for opening an airflow of the patient during performance of CPR on the patient; one or more electromagnetic radiation sources (208, 308, 408) mounted on the support structure to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a predetermined frequency range of wavelengths onto skin of the patient; and one or more electromagnetic or optical sensors (210, 310, 410) mounted on the support structure to detect electromagnetic radiation within the predetermined frequency range that is reflected from or transmitted into the patient's skin.

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.

An automated chest compression device has a housing for supporting a patient and a motor within the housing. A conical drive spool is operatively connected to the motor and a cable, is operatively connected to the conical drive spool. The cable is adapted to extend at least partially around the chest of the patient. A controller is operable to control the motor to compress the chest to variable thresholds.

An autonomous mechanical CPR device is disclosed having a CPR unit attached to a free-standing support assembly. In operation, a victim is placed in the support assembly such that the CPR unit can compress the victim's chest. The CPR device is preferably portable, and it provides the recommended depth of chest compression at the recommended rate. The CPR unit has a quick disconnect locking system with an insert that fits into a lock.

Increasing blood circulation, lowering intracranial pressure, and increasing cerebral perfusion pressure during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by gravity-assist due to elevation of one or both of the torso and head of an individual.

Techniques and devices for securing a medical device to a patient-carrying device, such as a mechanical CPR device to a stretcher, are described herein. In one aspect, a medical device stabilization strap may include a first removable attachment shackle connected to a first end of a first strap. An adjustable quick release buckle may be disposed between a second end of the first strap and a proximal end of a second strap. A second removable attachment shackle may be connected to a distal end of the second strap. The first and second removable attachment shackles may each include a U-shaped bracket for removably engaging a medical device. The adjustable quick release buckle may adjust a length of the second strap, for example, to secure the medical device to the patient-carrying device.

A device for the determination of at least one compression parameter during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient. The device includes a compression unit adapted to move in accordance with the chest of a patient and a surface unit adapted to move in accordance with a surface supporting the patient. The compression unit has one of a signal component and reference component, the surface unit has the other of the signal component and the reference component. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a relative measurement between the compression unit and the surface unit using data derived from the signal component and the reference component. The processor is further configured to determine the at least one compression parameter based on the relative measurement. The determined at least one compression parameter takes into account any motion and/or displacement of the surface.

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.

Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

A chest compression monitor for measuring the depth of chest compressions achieved during CPR. A sensor of the chest compression monitor is disposed within its housing such that compression of the housing due to CPR compressions, and its resultant deformation, is detected by the sensor and used by the control system as the starting point for calculating chest compression depth based on an acceleration signal indicative of the downward displacement of the chest.