A method to improve neurologically-intact survival rates after cardiac arrest may include performing CPR on an individual in cardiac arrest while the individual is in a supine position in general alignment with a horizontal plane. The method may include elevating the individual's head, shoulders, and heart relative to the individual's lower body while the individual's lower body remains generally aligned with the horizontal plane to cause blood to actively drain venous blood from the brain to reduce intracranial pressure. The method may include performing chest compressions on the individual and actively decompressing the individual's chest while the individual's head, shoulders, and heart are elevated.

A CPR chest compression device with a cooling exhaust flow path configured to direct cooling air flow through the device. A CPR chest compression device with a battery retainer interoperable with the control system to provide for controlled shut-down when an operator attempts to remove the battery during operation.

An automated chest compression device for performing CPR, with distance sensors disposed on a compressing mechanism and on a structure fixed relative to the CPR patient, for determining inferior/superior movement of the compressing mechanism over the course of multiple compressions.

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 mechanical chest compression device is secured to a gurney, transport stretcher or ambulance cot while engaging a patient's thorax to provide mechanical CPR during transport. The mechanical chest compression device compresses the patient's thorax against the gurney deck. The mechanical chest compression device may engage the side rails on the gurney, the gurney deck or any suitable structural elements of the gurney.

A method to increase the overall hemodynamic efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by alternating between chest compression-decompression cycles optimized to either cardiac output or venous return. The phases of cardiac output and venous return enhancement may themselves by adjusted in their duration and character. The method may enhance mechanical and manual techniques delivered to the anterior or circumferential chest, and be synchronized to adjunctive techniques such as airway, ventilatory or abdominal therapies.

A device for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation of a patient includes a support base, a swivel support, a mask holder and two lateral support elements. The support base is wedge-shaped in order to support the patient. There are guiding means and swivel elements provided in the support base and in the swivel support. The device makes it possible to adjust the position of the mask holder both vertically and horizontally to adapt to the dimensions of the user via a plurality of toothed elements. The configuration allows the combination with any existing continuous ventilation equipment.

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

A removeable and easily attachable/detachable rail system for use with chest compression devices and portable patient carrier boards. The rail system can include an elongated grooved structure providing multiple points of attachment for a chest compression device. The elongated grooved structure is removably affixed to the carrier board using one or more clamp mechanisms adapted to engage a side panel or hand hole of the board. The rail system allows first responders the ability to quickly and efficiently provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation assistance to a patient, while allowing for faster patient transport.

A medical support device for management of the airway of a patient is disclosed. An example of the medical support devices includes a bottom surface, an upper surface, first and second inclined sidewall surfaces, the first inclined sidewall surface adjoining the bottom surface and the upper surface, the second inclined sidewall surface adjoining the bottom surface and the upper surface, the upper surface being located transversely between the first and second inclined sidewall surfaces. The first inclined sidewall surface, the upper surface, and the second inclined sidewall surface are collectively configured to orient a chest airway region of a patient into an open position when the patient is oriented in a supine position with the upper surface of the medical device positioned beneath the thoracic spine region of the patient.