Abstract: A method of performing CPR on the patient while altering the body temperature of a patient comprises covering at least a thoracic region of the patient with a cover. A heat transfer liquid is directed to flow through liquid passages in the cover for contact with the thoracic region of the patient. Oxygen is supplied to the lungs of the patient, and the thoracic region of the patient is compressed directly through the cover while heat transfer liquid is being directed through the liquid passages in the cover. Apparatus for adjusting the body temperature of a patient generally comprising an enclosure sized and shaped for receiving at least a torso of the patient's body. A heat transfer liquid has a temperature between about 0° C. and about 5° C. A pump drives the heat transfer liquid into the enclosure for connect with the patient's body at a rate greater than about 6 liters per minute.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is adapted for substantially sealingly enclosing the portion of the patient's body within the interior space with the enclosure. Heat transfer liquid may then be circulated through the interior space of the enclosure via an inlet and an outlet for flow over the patient's body in direct liquid contact therewith to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and said heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid may be either warmer or cooler than the patient's body temperature, to either warm or cool the portion. Controlled cooling may be employed to induce therapeutic hypothermia, while controlled warming may be employed to counteract unintended hypothermia.