AUTOMATED CAREGIVING DEVICE WITH PROMPTING BASED ON CAREGIVER PROGRESS

Abstract

An example of an automated external defibrillator (AED) includes a housing including a lid, printed graphical instructions indicating sequential steps for treatment of a patient with the AED, a speaker configured to provide audible messages associated at least in part with the printed graphical instructions, and defibrillation electrodes stored under the lid and configured for application during the treatment of the patient according to steps including a step of peeling a left electrode pad from a liner of the left electrode pad, a step of applying the left electrode pad to the patient, a step of peeling a right electrode pad from a liner of the right electrode pad, and a step of applying the right electrode pad to the patient.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. An automated external defibrillator (AED) comprising: a housing comprising a lid; printed graphical instructions indicating sequential steps for treatment of a patient with the AED; a speaker configured to provide audible messages associated at least in part with the printed graphical instructions; and defibrillation electrodes stored under the lid and configured for application during the treatment of the patient according to steps comprising: a step of peeling a left electrode pad from a liner of the left electrode pad, a step of applying the left electrode pad to the patient, a step of peeling a right electrode pad from a liner of the right electrode pad, and a step of applying the right electrode pad to the patient.

3. The AED of claim 2, wherein the defibrillation electrodes are stored under the lid in a well that is structurally integrated with the housing.

4. The AED of claim 3, wherein the defibrillation electrodes comprise graphics that show correct electrode placement.

5. The AED of claim 2, wherein at least one of the printed graphical instructions is disposed on the lid.

6. The AED of claim 5, wherein the at least one of the printed graphical instructions is disposed on an underside of the lid.

7. The AED of claim 5, wherein at least two of the printed graphical instructions are viewable at a same time by a user of the AED.

8. The AED of claim 2, wherein the printed graphical instructions indicate an order of the sequential steps.

9. The AED of claim 2, wherein the printed graphical instructions comprise one or more of: an instruction to open the lid, an instruction to expose a bare chest of the patient, and instructions to attach the defibrillation electrodes to the patient at particular locations on a patient's chest.

10. The AED of claim 2, wherein the audible messages comprise one or more of: a prompt to remove clothing from a patient's chest, a prompt to attach the defibrillation electrodes to the patient's chest, a prompt to press the defibrillation electrodes firmly on the patient's chest, a prompt to not touch the patient, an indication that the AED is analyzing a heart rhythm, a prompt to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation compressions, a prompt to push harder, and a message comprising shock delivery information.

11. The AED of claim 2, comprising at least one pull tab configured to enable access to the defibrillation electrodes.

12. The AED of claim 11, wherein the at least one pull tab is red.

13. The AED of claim 11, wherein the at least one pull tab is associated with a directional arrow.

14. The AED of claim 11, wherein the at least one pull tab is associated with a sequential step number.

15. The AED of claim 11, wherein the at least one pull tab is located at a corner of a defibrillation electrode packaging.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an AED with its cover on.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the AED of FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the AED.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the graphical interface decal used on the cover of the AED of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the graphical interface decal used on the device housing of the AED of FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 6a-6e are flow charts indicating audio prompts provided during use of the AED of FIG. 1 and steps to be performed by the caregiver in response to the graphical and audio prompts.

[0031] FIGS. 7a and 7b list the audio prompts used in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6a-6e.

[0032] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cover and housing.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the cover indicating angle ‘A’.

[0034] FIGS. 10a and 10b are side views of a patient with and without the cover placed beneath the shoulders, to show the effect on the patient's airway of placing the cover beneath the shoulders.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a decal providing graphical instructions on the cover for placing the cover under a patient's shoulders.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows an integrated electrode pad.

[0037] FIG. 13 is another view of an electrode pad.

[0038] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an electrode well along one side of the housing.

[0039] FIG. 15 is a schematic of the electronics contained in the integrated electrode pad of FIG. 12.

[0040] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a first-aid kit implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] There are a great many possible implementations of the invention, too many to describe herein. Some possible implementations that are presently preferred are described below. It cannot be emphasized too strongly, however, that these are descriptions of implementations of the invention, and not descriptions of the invention, which is not limited to the detailed implementations described in this section but is described in broader terms in the claims.

[0042] The terms “caregiver”, “rescuer” and “user” are used interchangeably and refer to the operator of the device providing care to the patient.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an automated external defibrillator (AED) 10 includes a removable cover 12 and a device housing 14. The defibrillator 10 is shown with cover 12 removed in FIG. 2. An electrode assembly 16 (or a pair of separate electrodes) is connected to the device housing 14 by a cable 18. Electrode assembly 16 is stored under cover 12 when the defibrillator is not in use.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the AED includes circuitry and software 20 for processing, a user interface 21 including such elements as a graphical 22 or text display 23 or an audio output such as a speaker 24, and circuitry and/or software 25 for detecting a caregiver's progress in delivering therapy—e.g., detecting whether one or more of a series of steps in a protocol has been completed successfully In some preferred implementations, the detecting also includes the ability to determine both whether a particular step has been initiated by a user and additionally whether that particular step has been successfully completed by a user. Based on usability studies in either simulated or actual use, common user errors are determined and specific detection means are provided for determining if the most prevalent errors have occurred.

[0045] If it is determined that the current step in the protocol has not been completed, then the processor will pause the currently-scheduled sequence of instructions. If, for instance, it has been determined that a particular step has been initiated but not completed, but none of the common errors has occurred subsequent to initiation of the particular step, then the processor may simply provide a pause while waiting for the user to complete the step. If, after waiting for a predetermined period of time based on prior usability tests, there has been no detection of the step completion, the processor may initiate a more detailed set of prompts, typically at a slower sequence rate, describing the individual sub-steps that comprise a particular step. If one of the common errors is detected while waiting for completion of the step, the processor may initiate a sequence of instructions to correct the user's faulty performance.

[0046] Device housing 14 includes a power button 15 and a status indicator 17. Status indicator 17 indicates to the caregiver whether the defibrillator is ready to use.

[0047] The cover 12 includes a cover decal 30 (FIG. 1) including a logo 31 and a series of graphics 32, 34 and 36. Logo 31 may provide information concerning the manufacturer of the device and that the device is a defibrillator (e.g., “ZOLL AED”, as shown in FIG. 1, indicating that the device is a Semi-Automatic External Defibrillator available from ZOLL® Medical Corp.). Graphics 32, 34 and 36 lead the caregiver through the initial stages of a cardiac resuscitation sequence as outlined in the AHA's AED treatment algorithm for Emergency Cardiac Care pending arrival of emergency medical personnel. (See “Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Supplement to Circulation,” Volume 102, Number 8, Aug. 22, 2000, pp. I-67.) Thus, graphic 32, showing the caregiver and patient, indicates that the caregiver should first check the patient for responsiveness, e.g., by shaking the patient gently and asking if the patient is okay. Next, graphic 34, showing a telephone and an emergency vehicle, indicates that the caregiver should call for emergency assistance prior to administering resuscitation. Finally, graphic 36 indicates that after these steps have been performed the caregiver should remove the cover 12 of the defibrillator, remove the electrode assembly 16 stored under the lid, and turn the power on by depressing button 15. The graphics are arranged in clockwise order, with the first step in the upper left, since this is the order most caregivers would intuitively follow. However, in this case the order in which the caregiver performs the steps is not critical, and thus for simplicity no other indication of the order of steps is provided.

[0048] The device housing includes a device housing decal 40, shown in FIG. 2. The graphics are configured to lead the caregiver through the entire resuscitation sequence, as will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 6a-6e. Decal 40 also includes a center graphic 50, which includes representations of a hand and a heart. Center graphic 50 overlies a treatment button which, when depressed, causes the defibrillator to deliver a defibrillating shock to the electrode assembly 16.

[0049] Each of the graphics on device housing decal 40 is accompanied by a light source that can be temporarily illuminated to indicate that the illuminated step should be performed at that particular time. These light sources guide the caregiver, step-by-step, through the resuscitation sequence, indicating which graphic should be viewed at each point in time during resuscitation.

[0050] The light source for each of the graphics 42-50 is preferably an adjacent LED (LEDs 56, FIG. 2). The heart 54 may be translucent and backlit by a light source in the device housing (not shown). Alternatively, the heart may include an adjacent LED (not shown) and/or the hand 52 may include an LED 57 as shown. Programmable electronics within the device housing 14 are used to determine when each of the light sources should be illuminated.

[0051] In some preferred implementations, a liquid crystal display 51 is used to provide the more detailed graphical prompts when a user is unable to complete the rescue sequence on their own. In these implementations, the purpose of the printed graphics is to provide a more general indication of the current step in the overall sequence, e.g. airway graphics 44 provides an indication that the rescuer should be performing the “Open Airway. Check for Breathing.” sub-sequence, but may not provide a detailed enough description for someone who has forgotten the correct actions to perform. In an alternative embodiment, the graphical instructions may be provided by a larger version of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 51 whereby the LED-lit printed instructions are eliminated or removed and most or all of the graphical instructions are provided by the LCD 30. In this case, the LCD 51 will automatically show the more detailed instructions when it determines that the user is unable to properly perform the action.

[0052] The programmable electronics may also provide audio prompts, timed to coincide with the illumination of the light sources and display of images on the liquid crystal display 51, as will also be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6e.

[0053] The cover 12 is constructed to be positioned under a patient's neck and shoulders, as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, to support the patient's shoulders and neck in a way that helps to maintain his airway in an open position, i.e., maintaining the patient in the head tilt-chin lift position. The cover is preferably formed of a relatively rigid plastic with sufficient wall thickness to provide firm support during resuscitation. Suitable plastics include, for example, ABS, polypropylene, and ABS/polypropylene blends.

[0054] Prior to administering treatment for cardiac arrest, the caregiver should make sure that the patient's airway is clear and unobstructed, to assure passage of air into the lungs. To prevent obstruction of the airway by the patient's tongue and epiglottis (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10a), it is desirable that the patient be put in a position in which the neck is supported in an elevated position with the head tilted back and down. Positioning the patient in this manner is referred to in the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care as the “head tilt-chin lift maneuver.” The head tilt-chin lift position provides a relatively straight, open airway to the lungs through the mouth and trachea. However, it may be difficult to maintain the patient in this position during emergency treatment.

[0055] The cover 12 has an upper surface 24 that is inclined at an angle A (FIG. 9a) of from about 10 to 25 degrees, e.g., 15 to 20 degrees, so as to lift the patient's shoulders and thereby cause the patient's head to tilt back. The upper surface 24 is smoothly curved to facilitate positioning of the patient. A curved surface, e.g., having a radius of curvature of from about 20 to 30 inches (i.e., about 51 to 76 cm) generally provides better positioning than a flat surface. At its highest point, the cover 12 has a height H (FIG. 9) of from about 7.5 to 10 cm. To accommodate the width of most patients' shoulders, the cover 12 preferably has a width of at least 6 inches, e.g., from about 6 to 10 inches (i.e., about 15-25 cm). If the cover 12 is not wide enough, the patient's neck and shoulders may move around during chest compressions, reducing the effectiveness of the device. The edge of the cover may also include a lip 11 (FIG. 9) or gasket (not shown) to prevent water from entering the housing when the cover is in place. The positions shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b (a patient in the head lift-chin tilt position and a patient with a closed airway) are also shown in the AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, Aug. 22, 2000, p. I-32, FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0056] The cover 12 is provided with one or more sensors for determining if the patient's shoulders have been properly positioned on the cover 12. Referring to FIG. 8, two photoelectric sensors 156, 157 are used to determine if the cover has been placed underneath the patient's back. The sensors 156, 157 are located along the acute edge of the cover 12, with one facing inward and one facing outward with the cable 155 providing both power to the sensors 156, 157 as well as detection of the sensor output. If the cover 12 is upside down, the inner sensor 156 will measure a higher light level than the outer sensor 157; if the cover has been placed with the acute edge facing toward the top of the patient's head, then the outer sensor 157 will measure higher than the inner sensor 156 and will also exceed a pre-specified level. In the case of a properly positioned cover, both inner 156 and outer sensor 157 outputs will be below a pre-specified level. In another embodiment, the detections means is provided by a pressure sensor 158 located underneath the cover decal. Referring to FIG. 6c, if the processing means 20 detects that the cover is upside down, it will cause an audible prompt to be delivered to the user that is more detailed than the original prompt. The processing means 20 will also slow down the rate of speech of the audio prompts. If the cover is still upside down after a predetermined period of time, the processing means 20 will deliver an even more detailed message on how to properly place the cover. If, after three attempts to get the user to properly position the cover 12, the processing means 20 will deliver the next audio prompt without further waiting for proper placement of the cover 12.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the defibrillator includes communication capability such as cell phone, global positioning system (GPS) or simpler wireless phone capability. Preferably, both cell phone and GPS are included in the device. The cell phone is preconfigured to automatically dial the Emergency Response Center (ERC) in the community in which it is located such as “911” in much of the United States. The cell phone service is chosen which is able to provide voice, data, as well as GPS capability. Thus in response to a command by the device to “Call 911 by Pressing the Phone button”, the device automatically dials 911 and the built-in speaker 360 and microphone 159 on the device function to provide speakerphone capability. If a connection is successfully made to the emergency response center, the device transmits its exact location based on its GPS capability and also can transmit to the response center the status of the defibrillator. In more advanced modes, the emergency response center can remotely control the operation of the defibrillator via the bi-directional data capability. When a connection is made to the ERC and emergency response personnel (ERP), the automatic voice prompting of the defibrillator can be remotely de-activated by the ERP so as not to distract the rescuer from the instructions given by the ERP. While coaching the rescuer via the speakerphone capability in the defibrillator, the ERP can utilize the responsive feedback prompting functionality of the device to provide more accurate coaching of the rescuer. It is well known, however, that cell phone and other wireless communication methods are not especially reliable even under the best circumstances, and are often completely unavailable in industrial facilities, basements, etc., thus it is important to provide a means of automatically reverting to the mode wherein the device provides all responsive feedback prompts to the user when the processor detects that the communication link has been lost. Additional prompts will also be provided to the user to assuage any concern they might have that the connection to the human expert has been lost (e.g. “Communication has been temporarily lost to 911 personnel. Don't worry. This AED is able to perform all steps and help you through this procedure.”). When a communication link has been lost, the device will preferably automatically begin recording all device and patient status as well as all audio received by the built-in microphone. If the communication link is subsequently reacquired, the device will preferably automatically transmit the complete event, including patient, device and audio data, acquired during the time communication was not available, providing ERP valuable data to help in their medical decision-making. The ERP may remotely control the defibrillator via a bi-directional communication link that transmits both voice and data.

[0058] In another embodiment, a remote computer located at the ERC, that is more capable than the processor in the device may provide the remote decision-making capability. The remote computer would run artificial intelligence software utilizing such techniques, e.g., as fuzzy logic, neural nets and intelligent agents to provide prompting to the user.

[0059] FIG. 6a illustrates, in flow chart form, the default graphical and audio prompts provided by the device for a caregiver performing resuscitation. The prompts shown in the figure do not include responsive feedback prompts by the device that provide more detailed instructions depending on whether particular sequences have been successfully completed by the caregiver. The text in boxes indicates steps performed by the caregiver. The text in caption balloons, with ear symbols, indicates audio prompts generated by the defibrillator. FIGS. 6b-6e provide flowcharts of more detailed responsive feedback prompts (the content of which are shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b) that may be provided to supplement the steps of calling for help, open airway/check for breathing, and defibrillation electrode application.

[0060] Thus, when a person collapses and a caregiver suspects that the person is in cardiac arrest 100 (FIG. 6a), the caregiver first gets the defibrillator and turns the power on 102. If the unit passes its internal self-tests, and is ready for use, this will be indicated by indicator 17, as discussed above. Next, the defibrillator prompts the caregiver with an introductory audio message, e.g., “Stay calm. Listen carefully” (audio prompt 104).

[0061] Shortly thereafter, the defibrillator will prompt the caregiver with an audio message indicating that the caregiver should check the patient for responsiveness (audio prompt 106). Simultaneously, the LED adjacent graphic 42 will light up, directing the caregiver to look at this graphic. Graphic 42 will indicate to the caregiver that she should shout “are you OK?” and shake the person (step 108) in order to determine whether the patient is unconscious or not.

[0062] After a suitable period of time has elapsed (e.g., 2 seconds), if the caregiver has not turned the defibrillator power off (as would occur if the patient were responsive), the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should call for help (audio prompt 110). Simultaneously, the LED adjacent graphic 42 will turn off and the LED adjacent graphic 43 will light up, directing the caregiver's attention to graphic 43. Graphic 43 will remind the caregiver to call emergency personnel (step 112), if the caregiver has not already done so.

[0063] After a suitable interval has been allowed for the caregiver to perform step 112 (e.g., 2 seconds since audio prompt 110) the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should open the patient's airway and check whether the patient is breathing (audio prompt 114). The LED adjacent graphic 43 will turn off, and the LED adjacent graphic 44 will light up, directing the caregiver's attention to graphic 44, which shows the proper procedure for opening a patient's airway. This will lead the caregiver to lift the patient's chin and tilt the patient's head back (step 116). The caregiver may also position an airway support device under the patient's neck and shoulders, if desired, as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 10a, 10b. The caregiver will then check to determine whether the patient is breathing.

[0064] After a suitable interval (e.g., 15 seconds since audio prompt 114), the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should check for signs of circulation (audio prompt 118), the LED adjacent graphic 44 will turn off, and the LED adjacent graphic 45 will light up. Graphic 45 will indicate to the caregiver that the patient should be checked for a pulse or other signs of circulation as recommended by the AHA for lay rescuers (step 120).

[0065] After a suitable interval (e.g., 5 to 7 seconds since audio prompt 118), the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should attach electrode assembly 16 to the patient (audio prompt 122), the LED adjacent graphic 45 will turn off, and the LED adjacent graphic 46 will light up. Graphic 46 will indicate to the caregiver how the electrode assembly 16 should be positioned on the patient's chest (step 124).

[0066] At this point, the LED adjacent graphic 47 will light up, and the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the patient's heart rhythm is being analyzed by the defibrillator and the caregiver should stand clear (audio prompt 126). While this LED is lit, the defibrillator will acquire ECG data from the electrode assembly, and analyze the data to determine whether the patient's heart rhythm is shockable. This analysis is conventionally performed by AEDs.

[0067] If the defibrillator determines that the patient's heart rhythm is not shockable, the defibrillator will give an audio prompt such as “No shock advised” (audio prompt 128). The LEDs next to graphics 48 and 49 will then light up, and the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should again open the patient's airway, check for breathing and a pulse, and, if no pulse is detected by the caregiver, then commence giving CPR (audio prompt 130, step 132). Graphics 48 and 49 will remind the caregiver of the appropriate steps to perform when giving CPR.

[0068] Alternatively, if the defibrillator determines that the patient's heart rhythm is shockable, the defibrillator will give an audio prompt such as “Shock advised. Stand clear of patient. Press treatment button” (audio prompt 134). At the same time, the heart and/or hand will light up, indicating to the caregiver the location of the treatment button. At this point, the caregiver will stand clear (and warn others, if present, to stand clear) and will press the heart, depressing the treatment button and administering a defibrillating shock (or a series of shocks, as determined by the defibrillator electronics) to the patient (step 136).

[0069] After step 136 has been performed, the defibrillator will automatically reanalyze the patient's heart rhythm, during which audio prompt 126 will again be given and graphic 47 will again be illuminated. The analyze and shock sequence described above will be repeated up to three times if a shockable rhythm is repeatedly detected or until the defibrillator is turned off or the electrodes are removed. After the third shock has been delivered, the device will illuminate LEDs 48 and 49 and issue the audio prompts 130/132. The device will keep LEDs 48 and 49 illuminated for a period of approximately one minute indicating that if CPR is performed, it should be continued for the entire minute. “Continue CPR” audio prompts may be repeated every 15-20 seconds during this period to instruct the user to continue performing chest compressions and rescue breathing.

[0070] After approximately one minute has elapsed, the device will extinguish LEDs 48 and 49 and illuminate LED 47. Audio prompt 126 (stand clear, analyzing rhythm) will also be issued and a new sequence of up to three ECG analyses/shocks will begin.

[0071] If the caregiver detects circulation during step 132, the caregiver may turn off the defibrillator and/or remove the electrodes. Alternatively, the caregiver may not perform further CPR, but nonetheless allow the device to reanalyze the ECG after each one minute CPR period in order to provide repeated periodic monitoring to ensure the patient continues to have a non-shockable rhythm.

[0072] Thus, in the continuing presence of a shockable rhythm, the sequence of three ECG analyses and three shocks, followed by one minute of CPR, will continue indefinitely. If, instead, a non-shockable rhythm is or becomes present, the sequence will be analyze/no shock advised, one minute of CPR, analyze/no shock advised, one minute of CPR, etc. When a shock is effective in converting the patient's heart rhythm to a heart rhythm that does not require further defibrillating treatment, the sequence will be: analyze/shock advised, shock (saves patient), analyze/no shock advised, one minute CPR period (if pulse is detected then caregiver will not do CPR during this period), analyze/no shock advised, one minute CPR period, etc., continuing until the caregiver turns the defibrillator (e.g., if the caregiver detects a pulse) or the electrodes are removed.

[0073] If electrode contact is lost at any time (as determined by the impedance data received from the electrode assembly), this will result in an appropriate audio prompt, such as “check electrodes” and illumination of the LED adjacent graphic 46. The electrodes 208 may be stored in a well 222 (FIG. 14) that is structurally integrated with the housing 14 or may be a separate pouch 16.

[0074] It has also been discovered that a not-insignificant portion of caregivers are unable to open the packaging for the electrodes; therefore, a sensor may be provided to determine if the electrode package has been opened. If detection of the electrode package 16 opening has not occurred within a predetermined period of time, the unit will provide more detailed instructions to assist the user in opening the packaging 16.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in preferred implementations, a means is provided of detecting and differentiating successful completion of multiple steps of electrode application: (1) taking the electrodes 208 out of the storage area 222 or pouch 16; (2) peeling the left pad 212 from the liner 216; (3) peeling the right pad 214 from the liner 216; (4) applying the left pad 212 to the patient 218; and (5) applying the right pad 214 to the patient 218. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a package photo-sensor 210 is provided on the outer face of the electrode backing 220. Detection that the electrode 208 is sealed in the storage area is determined by the photo-sensor output being below a threshold. A photo-emitter/photo-sensor (PEPS) 223 combination is embedded into each electrode facing towards the liners 216. The liner 216 is constructed so that a highly reflective aluminized Mylar, self-adhesive disk 224 is applied to the liner 216 in the location directly beneath the PEPS 223. The reflective disk 224 is coated with a silicone release material on the side in contact with the electrode 208 so that it remains in place when the electrode 208 is removed from the liner. In such a configuration, the processor is fully capable of differentiating substantially the exact step in the protocol related to electrode application. When the package photo-sensor 210 detects light above a certain threshold, it is known that the electrodes have been removed from the storage area 222 or pouch 16. The high reflectance area 224 beneath each PEPS 223 provides a signal that is both a high intensity as well as being synchronous with the emitter drive with low background level; thus it is possible to distinguish with a high degree of accuracy which, if either, of the electrodes 212, 214 is still applied to the liner 216. When an electrode 212, 214 is removed from the liner 216 the background level of the signal increases due to ambient light while the synchronous portion decreases because there is little if any of the photo-emitter light reflected back into the photo-sensor; this condition describes when an electrode 212, 214 is removed from the liner 216. When it has been determined that an electrode 212, 214 has been removed from the liner 216, the processor means 20 proceeds to the next state—looking for application of that electrode to the patient. Application of the electrode 212, 214 to the patient will result in a decrease in the background level of the signal output and some synchronous output level intermediate to the synchronous level measured when the electrode 212, 214 was still on the liner 216. If it has been determined that both electrodes 212, 214 are applied to the patient 218 but there is an impedance measured between the electrodes that is significantly outside the normal physiological range then it is very possible that the user has applied the electrodes to the patient without removing the patient's shirt. Surprisingly, this is not uncommon in real situations with users; a patient's shirt will have been only partially removed when electrodes are applied resulting in insufficient electrical contact with the patient's skin. FIG. 6d shows the flowchart for prompting related to retrieval and application of electrodes. As in the case with responding to a user's interactions.

[0076] Many other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0077] For example, the graphics on the center decal can be accompanied by any desired light source. For instance, if desired, all of the graphics can be translucent, and can be backlit. Alternatively, the graphics can be provided in the form of LED images, rather than on a decal.

[0078] While the electrodes have been illustrated in the form of an integral electrode assembly, separate electrodes may be used.

[0079] In some implementations, generally all of the graphically illustrated steps are shown at the same time, e.g., as illustrated by the decal described above. This arrangement allows the caregiver to see the steps that will be performed next and thus anticipate the next step and begin it early if possible. However, alternatively, the graphics can be displayed one at a time, e.g., by using a screen that displays one graphic at a time or backlit graphics that are unreadable when not back lit. This arrangement may in some cases avoid overwhelming novice or lay rescuers, because it does not present the caregiver with too much information all at the same time.

[0080] If desired, each graphic could have an associated button that, when pressed, causes more detailed audio prompts related to that graphic to be output by the defibrillator.

[0081] The cover 12 of the AED may include a decal on its underside, e.g., decal 200 shown in FIG. 11. Decal 200 illustrates the use of the cover as a passive airway support device, to keep the patient's airway open during resuscitation. Graphic 202 prompts the caregiver to roll the patient over and place cover 12 under the patient's shoulders, and graphic 204 illustrates the proper positioning of the cover 12 under the patient to ensure an open airway.

[0082] While such a graphic is not included in the decal shown in FIG. 5, the decal 40 may include a graphic that would prompt the user to check to see if the patient is breathing. Such a graphic may include, e.g., a picture of the caregiver with his ear next to the patient's mouth. The graphic may also include lines indicating flow of air from the patient's mouth.

[0083] “Illuminated”, “light up”, and similar terms are used herein to refer to both a steady light and a light of varying intensity (e.g., blinking). A blinking light may be used, if desired, to more clearly draw the user's attention to the associated graphic.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 16, in other implementations, a home first aid device may be provided for providing instructions and therapy, as needed, for a variety of medical situations. In some implementations, the device would include: (a) a cover to the device whose removal the processor is capable of detecting; (b) a series of bound pages 230 on the face of the device under the cover 12 with a detection means providing for determining to which page the bound pages have been turned; (c) a processor; (d) a speaker 232 providing audio output. The home first aid device may also include a portion of the device used specifically for storage of items commonly used in the course of providing aid such as bandaids, bandages, splints, antiseptic, etc. The storage area preferably takes the form of a partitioned tray 234. Alternatively, the storage area may take the form of multiple pockets, pouches, straps, or slots. The storage area is partitioned into individual wells in which each of the items is stored. Photoelectric sensors 236, 237 may be provided in each of the wells, thereby providing a means of determining which, if any, of the items has been removed by the user. Detecting which page the bound pages are turned to may be provided by embedding small high magnetic intensity samarium cobalt magnets 240 in locations specific to each page. In some implementations, the magnets 240 are located along the bound edge of the pages, outside the printed area of the pages. Magnetic sensors 241 are located in the device housing 14 that correspond to the locations where the magnets 240 located in the specific pages make contact when the specific page is turned. The magnetic sensor 241 may be a semiconductor device employing the Hall effect principle, but may also be a reed switch or other magnetically activated switch. By providing a means of detecting user actions automatically such as the detection of which page the user has turned to or which first aid item has been removed from the storage container, the device is able to interact and respond to the rescuer in an invisible manner, improving both speed as well as compliance to instructions. In such a manner, interactivity is preserved while at the same time providing a printed graphical interface to the user.