Automated external defibrillator (AED) with context-sensitive help

Abstract

A defibrillator system is disclosed including an operational state input, a user-operated information request input, and a user guidance output. The defibrillator system can be implemented as an AED, a manual defibrillator, or as a defibrillator trainer. The defibrillator system further utilizes the state and request inputs to determine a context-sensitive rescue information which is provided to the output.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been available for public use for several years, and have proven effective at treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA kills about 250,000 Americans a year and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Untreated SCA usually results in death in a very short time, and survival rates for SCA decline by about 10% for every minute defibrillation treatment is delayed. Because most EMS or other medical response cannot reach the scene of SCA within a very few minutes, it is important for witnesses or bystanders to be able to apply defibrillation treatment as quickly as possible, whenever a defibrillator is available. [0002] Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is often performed concurrent with AED use. CPR is a combination of artificial respiration and artificial circulation that keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain during cardiac arrest. The effectiveness of CPR is highly dependent on the proficiency o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The apparatus and methods of the present invention are the result of the inventors' discovery that the interaction between defibrillator and user is significantly enhanced by dynamically modifying the sestet of rescue information based on the progress of the rescue. The present inventors have further discovered that a user improves the likelihood of performing a successful rescue if the user retains some control over the delivery of the guidance; i.e. the help prompting should be optional and not completely automatic. With appropriate optional guidance, the user eliminates the stress associated with extraneous noise and distraction, while simultaneously retaining the ability to quickly obtain assistance if the user becomes confused during the rescue. In addition, optional guidance reduces the likelihood that the AED is turned off mid-rescue in an attempt to reduce stress and distraction. The AED of the present invention will remain quiet unless conditions or a request actually warrant a prompt.

[0009] It was further discovered that defibrillator users prefer an information request input that is dedicated and distinct from other elements in the AED user interface. This discovery was not obvious to those skilled in the AED art because it was previously assumed that an AED should minimize the number of knobs and switches in order to simplify use. The result of this discovery was that the addition of another button for information request, preferably a flashing button, enhances the likelihood of successful use, even for minimally trained users, and is worth any additional “clutter” that may be caused by the additional button. Still, it is important to design the information request button such that distraction of the operator is minimized, particularly when there is no additional information to be gained by pressing the button.

Problems solved by technology

SCA kills about 250,000 Americans a year and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Untreated SCA usually results in death in a very short time, and survival rates for SCA decline by about 10% for every minute defibrillation treatment is delayed.

Many people receive CPR training each year, but most, even emergency responders, have not maintained their proficiency.

Rescuers may find it difficult to recall these procedures, especially during high stress rescue situations and as standards evolve.

The problems of minimal training, high levels of stress accompanied by noise and confusion, and a very limited time in which to effect a rescue negatively affects the chances of a successful rescue.

On the other hand, the same prompting features can delay a proficient rescuer who is able to work faster than the prompts, or can complicate the already chaotic rescue situation with extraneous and distracting information.

In some cases, the continuing prompting noise may tempt a rescuer to turn the AED off when a perceived “safe” time in the rescue is reached.

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