Abstract: An electrode generally comprises a body, which makes up the electrode and which is formed as a thin flexible polymeric substance such as urethane foam. The electrode body includes a central inner conductive area, which is associated with a first electrode connector. Around the inner conductive area is a non-conductive area formed as a ring around the inner conductive area and there is also an outer conductive area provided as a ring, concentrically arranged around the non-conductive area. Electrode connector (6B) is connected to the outer conductive ring. The electrode body, which has a release tag and is supported on a backing sheet and body can be peeled off the backing sheet using the release tag. The condition of the electrode can be evaluated using a test device, which can for example measure electrical impedance across the electrode via electrodes (6A) and (6B).

Abstract: A defibrillator incorporates an analyser (2) arranged to receive signals from a patient's heart (such as from electrode pads (6) placed on the patient's chest). A charging circuit (4) enables the electrodes (6) to deliver a charge from the charging circuit to the patient. The analyser is arranged to compare one or more heart rhythm sequences from the patient with predetermined data relating to a heart rhythm and, depending on a result of an initial part of comparison, the analyser is arranged to activate starting of charging of the charging circuit, whilst comparison continues, in readiness for possible delivery of a shock to the patient.

Abstract: A defibrillator incorporates an analyser (2) arranged to receive signals from a patient's heart (such as from electrode pads (6) placed on the patient's chest). A charging circuit (4) enables the electrodes (6) to deliver a charge from the charging circuit to the patient. The analyser is arranged to compare one or more heart rhythm sequences from the patient with predetermined data relating to a heart rhythm and, depending on a result of an initial part of comparison, the analyser is arranged to activate starting of charging of the charging circuit, whilst comparison continues, in readiness for possible delivery of a shock to the patient.

Abstract: An electrode generally comprises a body, which makes up the electrode and which is formed as a thin flexible polymeric substance such as urethane foam. The electrode body includes a central inner conductive area, which is associated with a first electrode connector. Around the inner conductive area is a non-conductive area formed as a ring around the inner conductive area and there is also an outer conductive area provided as a ring, concentrically arranged around the non-conductive area. Electrode connector (6B) is connected to the outer conductive ring. The electrode body, which has a release tag and is supported on a backing sheet and body can be peeled off the backing sheet using the release tag. The condition of the electrode can be evaluated using a test device, which can for example measure electrical impedance across the electrode via electrodes (6A) and (6B).