Abstract: Devices, methods, and software implementing those methods for providing communicating external chest compression (ECC) devices and defibrillation (DF) devices, where the ECC and DF devices can be physically separate from each other. Both ECC and DF devices are able to operate autonomously, yet able to communicate with and cooperate with another device when present. Some ECC and DF devices are adapted to be physically and/or electrically coupled to each other. One ECC device includes a backboard, a chest compression member, a communication module, controller, and at least one sensor, electrode lead or electrode. One DF device includes a defibrillator module, a controller, and a communication module that can communicate with the ECC communication module. The communicating ECC and DF devices may deliver ECC, pacing, defibrillation, ventilation, and cooling therapies, and may deliver instructions to human assistants, in a coordinated and cooperative fashion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a coolant delivered to a patient in a hypothermic therapy system, including a hypothermic therapy system that can be applied to a patient outside or inside a hospital setting. In general, the coolant is in a pressurized form at ambient temperature, and is expanded proximate to the patient to cause the coolant to cool. Cooling garments placed in contact with the body of the patient circulate the cooled coolant proximate to the patient to cool the patient. A controller controls the temperature of the coolant by mixing the coolant with ambient air, for example, to reduce the risk of harm the patient.

Abstract: A method for the failsafe monitoring of the rotational movement of a shaft comprises a first step of picking up a characteristic pulse train with a number of pulses following one another at successive times, the time interval between the pulses is dependent on the rotational movement. A second step determines a monitoring time period and a third step monitors whether an expected pulse of the pulse train occurs within the monitoring time period. Finally, there is a fourth step of generating a control signal when the expected pulse does not occur within the monitoring time period. The monitoring time period is repeatedly adapted to the time interval of the pulses during monitoring.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for managing health care protocols, and in particular, brain injury protocols, with a system that may be incorporated with a device such as a defibrillator, patient monitor, or other device. The system selects a brain injury protocol as a function of patient data received from an operator, or from a monitoring device, or both. Pursuant to the protocol, the system may present information, direct an operator to perform a task, determine a presumptive diagnosis, and control a therapy device.