Abstract: A defibrillation system includes an automatic external defibrillator and a supply module containing items for use in connection with the automatic external defibrillator. The supply module may be physically coupled to the defibrillator to ensure the availability of the items during operation of the defibrillator. Items within the supply module or the supply module itself may also be electrically coupled to the defibrillator to reduce the amount of time required to deploy the defibrillator when responding to an emergency medical situation. Items containable by the supply module include pads, ECG leads, gloves, scissors, PCMCIA cards and defibrillator batteries, as well as any other components or supplies desired to be included by the operator or manufacturer. The supply module may be provided with a visible or electronically readable indicia of the shelf life of the supply module or one or more items contained by the supply module.

Abstract: A defibrillator is described with dual processors for verifying the performance of the defibrillator and halting the application of a defibrillation pulse to a patient if a failure of system components is detected. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, verification is performed to determine whether a transfer relay switch should be closed to permit the application of a defibrillation pulse through the transfer relay switch to a patient. In addition, in one form of the invention, an electronic switch is provided in a series discharge circuit through the patient. Verification by both processors of proper conditions for application of a defibrillation pulse is required before a determination pulse is applied through the switch. In addition, an impedance circuit is provided with a mechanism for checking the accuracy of the circuit during operation of the defibrillator.