Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decreasing intracranial pressure and enhancing circulation, as well as for increasing the respiratory rate and encouraging spontaneous respiration. According to such methods, a valve system is coupled with a person's airway. The valve system has an exhalation valve and an patient port that interfaces with the person's airway. The exhalation valve includes a diaphragm having a textured surface. The diaphragm is positioned across an exhalation valve seat and contacts a distal end of the exhalation valve seat, and is configured to prevent or impede respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs until an expiratory pressure equals or exceeds an opening pressure of the exhalation valve, at which time the diaphragm moves away from the distal end to create an open exhaust channel.

Abstract: End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) measurements may be used alone as a guide to determine when to defibrillate an individual. Alternatively, ETCO2 measurements may be used in combination with amplitude spectral area measurements as a guide to determine when to defibrillate an individual.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a method for predicting the likelihood of survival of a particular individual with favorable neurological function during a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure includes obtaining an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal of the particular individual during the CPR procedure. The method also includes obtaining a non-invasive measure of circulation of the particular individual during the CPR procedure and generating a prediction for the likelihood of survival of the particular individual with favorable neurological function based on the EEG signal and the non-invasive measure of circulation.

Abstract: A method is provided for resuscitating a patient from cardiac arrest. This may be done by (a) performing chest compressions for a first period of time at a depth of between about 1.5 to about 3 inches, and (b) ceasing chest compressions for a second period of time. Steps (a) and (b) may be repeated at least two times in order to prevent reperfusion injury after cardiac arrest.

Abstract: A method for increasing blood flow to vital organs during cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a person experiencing a cardiac arrest may include performing standard or active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a person to create artificial circulation by repetitively compressing the person's chest such that the person's chest is subject to a compression phase and a relaxation or decompression phase. The method may also include administering one or more vasodilator drugs to the person to improve the artificial circulation created by the cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The method may also include binding at least a portion of the person's abdomen, either manually or with an abdominal compression device. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a person may include ventilating the person with either an impedance threshold device or a intrathoracic pressure regulator.