Abstract: An active backboard that can assist with adjusting a patient on the backboard to ensure that the backboard is correctly aligned for a compression mechanism of an upper portion of a mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device to perform compressions. The active backboard can also include multiple layers that can slide or move relative to each other to move the patient relative to the backboard. The active backboard can include roller bars, a wheel, and/or projections to assist with moving a patient relative to the backboard.

Abstract: An alignment device for assisting a rescuer for correctly aligning a mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device. The alignment device can guide positioning of the backboard so that the backboard is correctly positioned prior to connecting an upper portion of the mechanical CPR device to the backboard. The alignment device can also include positioning the mechanical CPR device without a backboard or positioning the backboard and the upper portion of the mechanical CPR device nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems to retain a battery within, and to eject a battery from, a battery receptacle of a medical device, such as a portable defibrillator, are described. A battery receptacle of a medical device includes an element that is configured to engage an inserted battery to prevent, or reduce, movement of the battery within the receptacle and to assist with removing the battery from the receptacle. In an example, the element is a monolithic structure that includes a retention portion and an ejection portion. The retention portion is positioned at a side wall of the battery receptacle, and the ejection portion terminates in a free end positioned a distance from the side wall. When the battery is inserted into the battery receptacle, the retention portion exerts a retention force on a side surface of the battery, and the ejection portion exerts an ejection force on an end surface of the battery.

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.