Abstract: In general, the invention provides techniques for wireless communication of medical event information between medical devices that treat a particular patient. In general, medical event information describes the condition and treatment of a patient. A medical device may detect another medical device via a wireless communications medium, and establish a local wireless communication session the other device in order to receive medical event information stored by the other device for a patient. The wireless communications medium may be a radio frequency communications medium, and the medical devices may establish a local wireless communication session according to any of a number of local wireless data communication standards. The medical event information received from the other medical device may be used to select a therapy, or to generate a report or patient chart detailing the condition and treatment of the patient.

Abstract: In general, the invention facilitates improved inter-module communication within a medical device system, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED), by using a serial data interface based on the USB specification to transfer data between modules. As a result, data transmission rates may be improved significantly, thereby providing ample communication bandwidth for a variety of medical device applications. Further, the serial interconnect nature of the USB interface reduces the number of physical interconnects that are needed to support the interface, thereby reducing the design constraints on the medical device system.

Abstract: Techniques are described for communication between medical devices that are used to monitor or treat a patient, such as defibrillators or patient monitors. The devices may engage in one-way or two-way communication, using the electrical conduction of the body of the patient to carry information. When the devices are capable of two-way communication, the first medical device may relay information to the second medical device through the body of the patient. The information relayed may pertain to the condition of the patient or the therapy administered.