Abstract: A method (100) for using an automated external defibrillator (AED) (310), the method comprising: receiving (120), during an active CPR protocol, a signal indicative of motion or lack of motion of the individual; analyzing (130), by the controller, the received signal to determine whether the individual is undergoing motion; providing (140) a direction to begin or continue chest compressions if the controller determines from the received signal that the individual is not undergoing motion; analyzing (150), by the controller, a received ECG signal to determine whether the individual could benefit from a shock delivered from the AED; interrupting (160) the active CPR protocol, if the individual is not undergoing motion and if the individual could benefit from a shock delivered from the AED; and delivering (170) a shock to the individual.

Abstract: An improved emergency response system includes a set of databases which relates to volunteer responders and patients, which is controlled by a central system computer. The system interacts with patients and volunteer responders through a wireless network to patient and volunteer communicator devices. The emergency response system calculates and provides a compensation to the volunteer responders based upon their on-duty time, proximity to enrolled patients, and optionally based upon their performance during training and cardiac rescue events.

Abstract: An improved emergency response system includes a set of databases which relates to volunteer responders and patients, which is controlled by a central system computer. The system interacts with patients and volunteer responders through a wireless network to patient and volunteer communicator devices. The emergency response system calculates and provides a compensation to the volunteer responders based upon their on-duty time, proximity to enrolled patients, and optionally based upon their performance during training and cardiac rescue events.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides improved guidance instructions to providers of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions in a cardiac arrest event. The apparatus detects CPR rate and/or changes in CPR rate, and issues prompts related to checking the depth of compressions based upon the rate/rate change detection. The prompts may be aural or visual.

Abstract: A defibrillator and method for using a defibrillator which adopts an ECG analysis algorithm that can detect a cardiac arrhythmia in the presence of noise artifact induced by cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions. The apparatus and method offers guidance throughout a cardiac rescue protocol involving both defibrillation shocks and CPR that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: A defibrillator (AED) and method for using a defibrillator using two different ECG analysis algorithms which work sequentially to improve the accuracy of AED shock decisions. A first algorithm, such as (ART), is particularly suited for analysis in the presence of CPR periods. A second algorithm, such as (PAS), is particularly suited for analysis during hands-off periods. The AED switches algorithms depending on the period and on the current analysis of the cardiac rhythm. The inventions thus provide an optimized ECG analysis scheme in a manner that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is described which is leased for an at-risk patient and designed for use in a single cardiac emergency. If the AED is in standby for a year without being deployed, the AED is removed from service and replaced with another AED. The AED requires a rescuer only to deploy the electrodes on the torso of the victim; the AED turns itself on, performs rhythm analysis and delivers a shock if needed automatically. The AED thus requires no user controls. Preferably the AED requires no on-site maintenance, as the AED communicates its readiness for use to a remote monitoring site which responds to any problems detected by self-testing. In addition to its electro-resuscitation function, the AED can be used on the chest of the victim to administer CPR compressions.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is described which includes two electrocardiogram (ECG) analyzers. One of the ECG analyzers is suitable for use only for ECG which is signal-noise-free, and thus may be used during “hands-off” analysis periods in which no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions can be provided. The length of the “hands-off” analysis period can be shortened by use of the second ECG analyzer in concert with the first ECG analyzer. Thus, a greater proportion of CPR time through the course of a cardiac arrest rescue is achieved.

Abstract: An improved emergency response system includes a set of databases which relates to volunteer responders and patients, which is controlled by a central system computer. The system interacts with patients and volunteer responders through a wireless network to patient and volunteer communicator devices. The emergency response system calculates and provides a compensation to the volunteer responders based upon their on-duty time, proximity to enrolled patients, and optionally based upon their performance during training and cardiac rescue events.

Abstract: A defibrillator (AED) and method for using a defibrillator using two different ECG analysis algorithms which work sequentially to improve the accuracy of AED shock decisions. A first algorithm, such as (ART), is particularly suited for analysis in the presence of CPR periods. A second algorithm, such as (PAS), is particularly suited for analysis during hands-off periods. The AED switches algorithms depending on the period and on the current analysis of the cardiac rhythm. The inventions thus provide an optimized ECG analysis scheme in a manner that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus (12) detects the presence and quality of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by analyzing existing signals in automated external defibrillator (AED) devices without using a stand-alone CPR meter. The method includes analyzing both a thoracic impedance signal and a common-mode current signal, each of which can be measured with standard AED pads (18). The method applies criteria to the measured signals, the criteria being used to select which of the measured signals to use for providing CPR chest compression detections.

Abstract: A defibrillator (AED) and method for using a defibrillator using two different ECG analysis algorithms which work sequentially to improve the accuracy of AED shock decisions. A first algorithm, such as (ART), is particularly suited for analysis in the presence of CPR periods. A second algorithm, such as (PAS), is particularly suited for analysis during hands-off periods. The AED switches algorithms depending on the period and on the current analysis of the cardiac rhythm. The inventions thus provide an optimized ECG analysis scheme in a manner that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: A defibrillator and method for using a defibrillator which adopts an ECG analysis algorithm that can detect a cardiac arrhythmia in the presence of noise artifact induced by cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions. The apparatus and method provides both of a continuous and scheduled mode of operation for interleaving periods of CPR with electrotherapy, in a manner that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibriUation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: A defibrillator and method for using a defibrillator which adopts an ECG analysis algorithm that can detect a cardiac arrhythmia in the presence of noise artifact induced by cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions. The apparatus and method offers guidance throughout a cardiac rescue protocol involving both defibrillation shocks and CPR that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: A defibrillator and method for using a defibrillator which adopts an ECG analysis algorithm that can detect a cardiac arrhythmia in the presence of noise artifact induced by cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions. The apparatus and method includes a confidence analyzer circuit which determines the confidence level of an electrotherapy shock decision based on the detection. If the confidence level is low, the apparatus adjusts its shock decision criteria.

Abstract: A defibrillator and method for using a defibrillator which adopts an ECG analysis algorithm that can detect a cardiac arrhythmia in the presence of noise artifact induced by cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions. The apparatus and method offers guidance throughout a cardiac rescue protocol involving both defibrillation shocks and CPR that improves the effectiveness of the rescue, resulting in more CPR “hands-on” time, better treatment of refibrillation, and reduced transition times between CPR and electrotherapy.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is described which includes two electrocardiogram (ECG) analyzers. One of the ECG analyzers is suitable for use only for ECG which is signal-noise-free, and thus may be used during “hands-off” analysis periods in which no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions can be provided. The length of the “hands-off” analysis period can be shortened by use of the second ECG analyzer in concert with the first ECG analyzer. Thus, a greater proportion of CPR time through the course of a cardiac arrest rescue is achieved.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is described which is leased for an at-risk patient and designed for use in a single cardiac emergency. If the AED is in standby for a year without being deployed, the AED is removed from service and replaced with another AED. The AED requires a rescuer only to deploy the electrodes on the torso of the victim; the AED turns itself on, performs rhythm analysis and delivers a shock if needed automatically. The AED thus requires no user controls. Preferably the AED requires no on-site maintenance, as the AED communicates its readiness for use to a remote monitoring site which responds to any problems detected by self-testing. In addition to its electro-resuscitation function, the AED can be used on the chest of the victim to administer CPR compressions.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is described which is designed for use in a single cardiac emergency. If the AED is in standby for a year without being deployed, the AED is removed from service and replaced with another AED. The AED requires a rescuer only to deploy the electrodes on the torso of the victim; the AED turns itself on, performs rhythm analysis and delivers a shock if needed automatically. The AED thus requires no user controls. Preferably the AED requires no on-site maintenance, as the AED communicates its readiness for use to a remote monitoring site which responds to any problems detected by self-testing. In addition to its electro-resuscitation function, the AED can be used on the chest of the victim to administer CPR compressions.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus (12) detects the presence and quality of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by analyzing existing signals in automated external defibrillator (AED) devices without using a stand-alone CPR meter. The method includes analyzing both a thoracic impedance signal and a common-mode current signal, each of which can be measured with standard AED pads (18). The method applies criteria to the measured signals, the criteria being used to select which of the measured signals to use for providing CPR chest compression detections.