Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assistance device (400) is described for use by a rescuer providing manual CPR. The device has a visual indicator (430, 418, 420, 422) arranged about its periphery, such that visual assistance to the rescuer can be provided regardless of the rescuer' s hand position. The CPR assistance device also includes a staged method of providing visual assistance, such that increasingly urgent information is provided if the sensed CPR accuracy fails to improve.

Abstract: A training adapter (28) for an automated external defibrillator (AED) (10) which provides for safe training use of any AED. The training adapter includes a circuit which ensures that any defibrillation voltage/current is shunted away from the trainee, training electrodes (26), and patient simulation equipment. The training adapter simultaneously provides to the AED a simulated patient ECG signal which causes the AED to operate as if an actual cardiac rescue were occurring, thus heightening the realism of the training experience.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case latch is further constructed for greater ease of case opening and closing, and for greater latch hold strength.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with an arcuate and semi-rigid or rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case is further constructed with a wide angle viewing ready status light pipe for greater ease of maintenance of the contents.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case integrates a actuator to periodically test the operation of the defibrillator push buttons.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case is further constructed for greater ease of use during rescue, greater ro-bustness, and for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: An improved defibrillator electrode (100) has two separate peel tabs (114, 116). At least one of the peel tabs is located on the same edge of the electrode backing as that of the electrode wire. The disposition of the peel tabs improves the ability of the rescuer to apply the electrodes to a patient after the electrodes are removed from the release liner (110). In addition, the peel tab reduces the risk of damage to the electrode during removal from the release liner.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assistance device (400) is described for use by a rescuer providing manual CPR. The device has a visual indicator (430, 418, 420, 422) arranged about its periphery, such that visual assistance to the rescuer can be provided regardless of the rescuer' s hand position. The CPR assistance device also includes a staged method of providing visual assistance, such that increasingly urgent information is provided if the sensed CPR accuracy fails to improve.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case hinge is constructed for greater structural integrity when the case is open, and to have a flush-mount profile when the case is closed.

Abstract: An improved defibrillator electrode (100) has two separate peel tabs (114, 116). At least one of the peel tabs is located on the same edge of the electrode backing as that of the electrode wire. The disposition of the peel tabs improves the ability of the rescuer to apply the electrodes to a patient after the electrodes are removed from the release liner (110). In addition, the peel tab reduces the risk of damage to the electrode during removal from the release liner.

Abstract: A training adapter (28) for an automated external defibrillator (AED) (10) which provides for safe training use of any AED. The training adapter includes a circuit which ensures that any defibrillation voltage/current is shunted away from the trainee, training electrodes(26), and patient simulation equipment. The training adapter simultaneously provides to the AED a simulated patient ECG signal which causes the AED to operate as if an actual cardiac rescue were occurring, thus heightening the realism of the training experience.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case is further constructed for greater ease of use during rescue, greater ro-bustness, and for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case hinge is constructed for greater structural integrity when the case is open, and to have a flush-mount profile when the case is closed.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case latch is further constructed for greater ease of case opening and closing, and for greater latch hold strength.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with an arcuate and semi-rigid or rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case is further constructed with a wide angle viewing ready status light pipe for greater ease of maintenance of the contents.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case integrates a actuator to periodically test the operation of the defibrillator push buttons.

Abstract: A training apparatus (500) for use with an external defibrillator is provided, the external defibrillator being responsive to a first electrode and a second electrode, including: a transparent layer having a first electrode attachment region defining an opening sized to receive the first electrode; a signal conductor disposed proximate the first electrode attachment region, the signal conductor having a transfer path, the transfer path operable to provide communication between the first electrode and the second electrode, when the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on the training apparatus; and a two-dimensional representation of an anterior portion of a defibribation subject, identificable through the transparent layer, having the first electrode attachment region arranged thereon in a manner that defines a preferred plancement area of the first electrode on the defibrillation subject.

Abstract: A training apparatus (500) for use with an external defibrillator is provided, the external defibrillator being responsive to a first electrode and a second electrode, including: a transparent layer having a first electrode attachment region defining an opening sized to receive the first electrode; a signal conductor disposed proximate the first electrode attachment region, the signal conductor having a transfer path, the transfer path operable to provide communication between the first electrode and the second electrode, when the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on the training apparatus; and a two-dimensional representation of an anterior portion of a defibribation subject, identificable through the transparent layer, having the first electrode attachment region arranged thereon in a manner that defines a preferred plancement area of the first electrode on the defibrillation subject.

Abstract: A method and article for storing an automatic external defibrillator for use without a prescription are described. The hermetically sealed electrode pads of the OTC AED are electrically coupled to the OTC AED base unit where they are constantly accessible to self-test circuitry inside the base unit for periodic, automatic self-test. In one embodiment the self-test is designed to determine whether the conductive gel of the electrode pads has dried out. In another embodiment self-test circuitry also tests the battery while the OTC AED is being stored prior to use.

Abstract: An electrode includes a conductive adhesive layer and a conductive foil layer having a void therein. One such electrode may be mounted in conjunction with another electrode upon a release liner having one or more openings therein to facilitate electrical signal exchange between electrodes. A release liner may include a moisture permeable and/or moisture absorbent membrane. A release liner may alternatively include a conductive backing layer. A release liner may also include an insulating swatch covering an opening. A release liner may be implemented as a foldable sheet, such that multiple electrodes may be mounted upon the same side of the foldable sheet. A medical device to which the mounted electrodes are coupled may characterize the electrical path between the electrodes. The medical device may perform a variety of electrical measurements, including real and/or complex impedance measurements.