ALLISON, William C (Davmar Cottage, Main RoadMaddisto, Falkirk FK2 OLH, GB)
CLAIMS ;
1. An apparatus for assisting in the administering of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a casualty, the apparatus comprising: a board adapted for location underneath the casualty; and a signalling means; wherein the signalling means is located on the board and is adapted to provide one or more signals in accordance with a CPR sequence.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein, the CPR sequence is dependent on one or more CPR parameters .
3. The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein/ the CPR parameters are selected from the group comprising; a ratio of rescue breaths to chest compressions, a rate of rescue breaths, a rate of chest compressions, a number of rescue breaths in a sequence, and a number of chest compressions in a sequence.
4. The apparatus of Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein, the CPR parameters are dependent- on one or more characteristics of the casualty.
5. The apparatus of any of Claims 2 to 4 wherein, the CPR parameters are dependent on current CPR practices.
6. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the board comprises a raised portion positioned to locate under the neck of the casualty and adapted so as to tilt the casualty's head backwards.
7. The .apparatus of Claim 6 wherein, the raised portion is shaped so as to encourage the casualty's airways to open . ■ 8. The apparatus of Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein, the signalling means is located on or near the. raised portion.
9 . The apparatus of any of Claims 6 to 8 wherein, the raised portion is integrally formed with the board . • 10. The apparatus of any of Claims 6 to 8 wherein, the raised portion is attached to the board.
11. The apparatus of Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein, the raised portion comprises a cushion.
12. The apparatus of any of Claims 9 to 11 wherein, the raised portion is inflatable.
13. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the board further comprises a support portion adapted to locate opposite the casualty's chest and support the casualty's back during chest compressions.
14. The apparatus of Claim 13 wherein, the support portion is adapted to receive a lifting means adapted to lift the casualty by a predetermined distance above the board.
15. The apparatus of Claim 14 wherein, the lifting means comprises a cushion.
16. The apparatus of Claim 14 or Claim 15 wherein, the lifting means is inflatable.
17. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the signalling means comprises one. or more light sources adapted to illuminate according to the CPR sequence.
18. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the signalling means comprises light sources of at least two different colours.
19. The apparatus of Claim 18 wherein, a first colour indicates when rescue breaths should be given and a second colour indicates when chest compressions should be applied.
20. The apparatus of any of Claims 17 to 19 wherein, the light sources comprise one or more LEDs.
21. The apparatus of Claim 20 wherein, the one or more LEDs comprise multi-coloured LEDs.
22. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the signalling means comprises one or more sound sources adapted to provide an audible signal.
23. The apparatus of Claim 22 wherein, the sound sources provide audible signals according to the CPR sequence.
24. The apparatus of Claim 22 or Claim 23 wherein, the signalling means provides a first audible signal to indicate when rescue breaths should be given, and a second audible signal when chest compressions should be applied.
25. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus further comprises . an input means to allow input of the one or more CPR parameters .
26. The apparatus of Claim 25 wherein, the input means comprises one or more switches corresponding to the one or more CPR parameters .
27. The apparatus of Claim 26 wherein, one of the switches is moveable between a position corresponding to CPR parameters suitable for a child and a position corresponding . to CPR parameters suitable for an adult.
28. The apparatus of Claim 26 or Claim 27 wherein, one of the switches is moveable between a position corresponding to CPR parameters suitable for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and a position corresponding to CPR parameters suitable for cardiocerebral resuscitation. " ' • 29. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus further comprises a storage means.
30. The apparatus of Claim 29 wherein, the storage means houses one or more items selected from the group comprising; a GPS receiver, a GPS locating device, a communications device, a radio, a mobile phone, a cushion, a defibrillator, first aid materials, or a removable part of the apparatus .
31. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the signalling means further comprises control circuitry.
32. The apparatus of Claim 31 wherein, the apparatus comprises an access panel to allow access to the control circuitry.
33. The apparatus of Claim 31 or Claim 32 wherein, the control circuitry is programmable with one or more CPR parameters .
34. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus comprises a power source for supplying power to the signalling means.
35. The apparatus of Claim 34 wherein, the power source is rechargeable.
36. The apparatus of Claim 34 or Claim 35 wherein, the power source is replaceable.
37. The apparatus ■ of any of Claims 34 to 36 wherein, the signalling . means is further adapted to provide a warning signal when the power source runs low on power .
38. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus ' further comprises immobilising means adapted to at least immobilise the head of the casualty.
39. The apparatus of Claim 38 wherein, the immobilising means comprises strapping.
40. The apparatus of Claim 38 or Claim 39 wherein, the immobilising means comprises cushioned supports.
41. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus further comprises a hinge formed on or in the board so as to allow the board to be folded.
42. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 40 wherein, the board comprises a first section and a second section arranged so as to slide between a first stowed position and a second deployed position.
43. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 40 wherein, the second section is detachable from the first section.
44. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus further comprises an aperture integrally formed with the board to allow the apparatus to be carried.
45. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus comprises mounting means to allow mounting of the apparatus to a wall or other suitable surface.
46. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus further comprises an instruction section upon which instructions to aid in the proper administering of CPR are provided.
47. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus is waterproof.
48. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus further comprises a ' sheath adapted to cover the board so as to provide a barrier between a casualty and the board.
49. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the board is formed from a rigid material.
50. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 48 wherein, the board is formed from a flexible material.
51. The apparatus of any preceding Claim wherein, the apparatus is adapted to float in water.
52. The apparatus of Claim 14 or Claim 15 wherein, the lifting means further comprises a storage compartment • suitable for storing medical supplies. |
CPR Assistance Apparatus
The present invention relates to •■ an apparatus for assisting in the administering of cardiopulmonary resuscitation . . When a casualty's heart stops beating, or when they stop breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has to be administered. The person administering CPR expels air from his or her own lungs into the casualty's lungs (artificial respiration) , then performs chest compressions to forcibly pump the heart and thus maintain a flow of oxygenated blood through the body (artificial circulation) . Guideline amounts and rates of chest compressions to rescue breaths are provided by official bodies and , are selected to maximise the chance of recovery of the casualty. . ■ • The ratio and amount of compressions and breaths given varies from infant to adult, and is known to change over time as understanding of the human physiology and its reaction to CPR develops.
Not only is CPR administered by hospital and medical personnel who have been formally trained to do so, but other persons such as work colleagues or even passers by may be required to administer CPR to an injured person.
When administering CPR the requirement of consistent rates and amounts of CPR on a casualty can require great endurance because CPR is typically administered until the person regains the ability to breathe or until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurs, although very often it is simply administered until medical professionals or other form of help arrives at the scene. It will be appreciated that this can take a considerable amount of time.
The task of making sure the casualty is not deprived of a vital breath or compression is therefore somewhat onerous, and after a significant amount of time it is possible to get tired and/or confused. Especially so as the person administering CPR knows that the responsibility of trying to keep the casualty alive lies with them.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that assists in the administering of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for assisting in the administering of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a casualty, the apparatus comprising: a board adapted for location underneath the casualty; and
a signalling means; wherein the signalling means is located on or near the board and is adapted to provide one or more signals in accordance with a CPR sequence.
Preferably, the CPR sequence is dependent on one or more CPR parameters .
The CPR parameters may be selected from the group comprising; a ratio of rescue breaths to chest compressions, a rate of rescue breaths, a rate of chest compressions, a number of rescue breaths in a sequence, and a number of chest compressions in a sequence.
These parameters determine how CPR should be administered and by providing signals corresponding to these parameters the first aider can ensure the appropriate CPR can be provided to the casualty without having to determine these parameters manually.
Furthermore, the CPR parameters may be dependent on one or more of the group comprising: an age of the casualty, a size of the casualty, and current CPR practices.
As CPR requirements vary not only with the age and size of the casualty, but also with new understanding of how CPR works and best practices, the present invention is able to accommodate these different situations.
Preferably, the board comprises a raised portion positioned to locate under the neck of the casualty and adapted so as to tilt the casualty's head backwards.
Tilting the casualty's head backwards will assist in opening the airways and help a first aider to give rescue breaths without having to position the head manually.
Preferably, the raised portion is shaped so as ' to encourage the casualty's airways to open when the head is tilted backwards.
Preferably, the signalling means is located on or near the raised portion.
Locating the signalling means on or near the raised portion means that the signals provided can be readily received by a first aider whose attention will primarily be focussed- in that general area (i.e. near the head and chest of the casualty) .
Preferably, the raised portion is integrally formed with the board. Alternatively the raised portion is attached to the board. The raised portion may comprise a cushion, and may be inflatable.
Preferably, the board further comprises a support portion adapted to locate opposite the casualty's chest and support the casualty's back during chest compressions.
Optionally, the support portion is adapted to receive a lifting means, adapted to lift the casualty by a predetermined distance above the board-.
The lifting means may be a cushion, and may be inflatable. In this way, for example, an infant can be placed on the apparatus and CPR administered. The
lifting means may also comprise a storage compartment for storing medical supplies.
Preferably, the signalling means comprises one or more light sources. Preferably, the light sources are adapted to illuminate according to the CPR sequence.
Preferably, the signalling means • comprises light sources of at least two different colours. Preferably, a first said colour indicates when rescue breaths should be given and a second said colour indicates when chest compressions should be applied. ■ . In this way, a sequence of visual signals are provided which may be readily understood, and which informs a first aider when to give rescue breaths and when to apply chest compressions.
Preferably, the light sources comprise one or more LEDs. Optionally, the LEDs comprise . multi-coloured LEDs.
Optionally, the signalling means comprises one or more sound sources adapted to provide an audible signal. Preferably, the sound sources are adapted to provide audible signals according to the CPR sequence.
Preferably, the signalling means provides a first audible signal to indicate when rescue breaths should be given, and a second audible signal when chest compressions should be applied.
This provides an additional, or alternative, way to indicate to a first aider when to perform the necessary steps in the CPR sequence.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an input means to allow input of the one or more CPR parameters .
Optionally, the input means comprises one or more switches corresponding to the one or more CPR parameters.
Preferably, one of the switches is moveable between a position corresponding to CPR parameters suitable for a child and a position corresponding to CPR parameters suitable for an adult .
Further optionally, one of the switches is moveable between a position corresponding to CPR parameters suitable for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and a position corresponding to CPR parameters suitable for cardiocerebral resuscitation.
Cardiocerebral resuscitation requires only chest compressions, perhaps with one or two rescue breaths to begin with, and so the CPR sequence will consist only (or mainly) of signals corresponding to chest compressions.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a storage means. Preferably, the storage means is adapted to house one or more items selected from the group comprising; a GPS receiver and/or locating device, a communications device such as a radio or mobile phone, a cushion which may be inflatable, a defibrillator, first aid materials, or any removable part of the apparatus.
Preferably, the signalling means further comprises control circuitry. Preferably, the apparatus comprises an access panel to allow access to the control circuitry. Preferably, the control circuitry is programmable with one or more CPR parameters .
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a power source for supplying power to the signalling means. Preferably, the power source is rechargeable. Alternatively, the power source is replaceable.
Preferably, the signalling means is further adapted to provide a warning signal when the power source runs low on power.
Optionally, the apparatus further comprises immobilising means adapted to at least immobilise the head of the casualty. The immobilising means may comprise strapping and/or cushioned supports. The strapping may be integral to the apparatus, or the apparatus may be modified so as to accommodate strapping.
Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a hinge formed on or in the board so as to allow the board to be folded. Alternatively, the board comprises a first section and a second section arranged so as to slide between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. Further alternatively, the second section is detachable from the first section.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an aperture integrally formed with the board to allow the apparatus
to be carried or hung. Optionally, the apparatus comprises mounting means to allow mounting of the apparatus to a wall or other suitable surface.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an instruction section upon which instructions to aid in the proper administering of CPR is provided.
Optionally, the apparatus is waterproof. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a sheath adapted to cover the board so as to provide a barrier between a casualty and the apparatus .
Preferably, the board is formed from a rigid material . Alternatively, the board is formed from a flexible material. Optionally, the apparatus is adapted to float in water .
The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Figure 1 illustrates in schematic form a plan view of an apparatus for assisting in the administering of CPR in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates in schematic form a casualty lying on the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates in schematic form a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates in schematic form an enlarged view of the side of the raised portion of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 5 illustrates in schematic form an enlarged view of the opposite side of the raised portion to that shown in Figure 4 ; and
Figure 6 illustrates in schematic form the underside of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of an apparatus 1 for assisting in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus comprises a board IA which is made from a strong robust material such as a hard plastic. Integral to the design of the board IA is a carrying handle 3 which is also used for pushing the. apparatus 1 underneath a casualty. A neck support 2 is formed with the moulded board IA in an arch form. This arch enables the casualty's head to tilt backwards (see Figure 2) whilst lying on the board IA helping to keep the airways of the casualty open.
Incorporated into the neck support are two compartments (see Figure 5 and Figure 6) one 13 to contain the electronic circuitry required to make the apparatus functional and the other a storage compartment 12. The large flat surface area at the bottom end of the board IA is used for chest compressions.
As shown in Figure 2, a casualty 21- is positioned on the board and his or her head tilted backwards by ensuring that the neck 23 is located over the neck support 2. The
chest area 22 of the casualty sits above the lower part of the board IA. This provides support when chest compressions are administered.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 1 clearly showing the neck support 2 incorporated into the board IA. First light sources in the form of LEDs 4 are located on either side of the neck support 2. In this position they are ideally sited for visibility when a first aider is administering CPR.
The light sources 4 are controlled by control circuitry and flash at the correct rate at which chest compressions should be applied. These flashes can be accompanied by audible signals provided by speakers 6 located at either side of the neck support 2.
A second set of light sources in the form of LEDs 5 are also located either side of the neck support 2 and flash at the correct rate at which rescue breaths should be given. Again, these flashes can be accompanied by audible signals. Ideally, the first 4 and second 5 light sources are different colours, and the speakers provide different audible signals depending on whether rescue breaths are to be given, or chest compressions applied.
Mounted at one side of the neck support 2 is a bank 7 of switches (see Figure 4) that control settings which correspond to particular CPR requirements. The control circuitry generates a CPR sequence according to these settings, and causes the LEDs 4,5 to flash and (if appropriate) the speakers 6 to emit audible signals. By way of example, at the time of filing the present
application, the accepted CPR practice is to give two rescue breaths followed by 15 chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. When in use, therefore, LEDs 4 will flash twice at a slow rate to allow the first aider to supply the rescue breaths and wait for the chest to fall each time. Following this, a small wait is allowed for the first aider to move to the chest compression position and then LEDs 5 will flash fifteen times at a rate of 100/min. This is then repeated until the apparatus is switched off.
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the bank of switches 7 which comprises three switches 8,9,10. Switch 8 is a power switch which turns the apparatus 1 on and off. Switch 10 selects the appropriate CPR ratio for an adult (A) or a child (C) . Switch 9 activates or deactivates the audible signal which accompanies the sequence of the flashing LEDs 4/5. • . Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the storage compartment 12. The storage compartment 12 may be used to store rescue aids such as breathing barriers, first aid equipment, spare batteries, or even communications and/or tracking devices such as a radio, mobile phone or GPS receiver. A hinged door 11 closes the compartment 12. A seal may be provided to prevent the contents from becoming wet.
Figure 6 shows the underside of the apparatus 1. An access hatch 13 allows access to the control circuitry and/or access to the power source. The power source will typically comprise one or more batteries which can be replaced or recharged. When the batteries run low, the
LEDs can flash and/or the speakers provide a warning signal to draw attention to the need to replace or recharge the batteries .
Allowing access to the control circuitry will allow the apparatus 1 to be reprogrammed ' in the event that regulations change and/or any of the CPR parameters change. For instance, should CPR be replaced with CCR (see above) , the apparatus can be reprogrammed to remove the need to flash LEDs corresponding to rescue breaths, or at least increase the number of flashes corresponding to chest compressions between rescue breath flashes.
A number of other alternative features of the apparatus are envisaged. For example, the light sources may comprise incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs, however the advantage in terms of cost and efficiency of LEDs is clear. Multi-colour LEDs may be used as an alternative to separate LEDs for rescue breaths and chest compressions, emitting light in one colour for one and another colour for the other.
A master switch may also be provided which simply acts to turn the apparatus on and display the appropriate sequence of flashes and accompanying audible signals, and turn the entire apparatus off again. In this way a first aider need not concern themselves with any settings and simply begin work on the casualty.
As the same apparatus may be used on children or infants as for adults, a cushion or the like may be employed to raise their smaller body to a height which allows the child's head to tilt backwards over the neck support 2.
This cushion may be inflatable and stored between uses in the storage compartment 12. When working on an adult, such a cushion may be used alternatively as a kneeling pad to keep the first aider comfortable.
To aid in storage of the apparatus, mounting means may be provided which will allow the apparatus to be mounted and stored when not in use, typically on a wall. Typically CPR instructions and guidance are provided on the apparatus to assist while carrying out CPR; but this will also provide information to passers by and the like when the apparatus is in a mounted position.
Ease of storage may also be improved by providing the board with a hinged lower portion which can be folded away, or similarly a sliding lower portion which can be slid behind or over an upper portion into a compressed position. Alternatively, the lower portion may simply be detached.
Immobilising apparatus such as strapping (e.g. Velcro straps) and cushioned head supports can assist in keeping a casualty's head still while on the apparatus. The straps and or head supports may be integral to the apparatus, or alternatively added to the apparatus as required. Such additional components can also be temporarily housed in the storage , compartment until required.
A number of advantages can be had over the state of the art with regard to a number of features of the present invention. In the first instance, using the apparatus allows a first aider to administer correct CPR in
accordance with any guidelines or regulations which may apply .
It is understood that positioning the head and making sure the casualty's airways are open can be difficult, and the provided neck support assists greatly in this regard and saves precious time.
A further advantage of aspects of the present invention is that as the first aider begins to tire and/or lose concentration, they will not lose count or slow down.
Also, providing a support behind the chest of the casualty also means that, for example, on very muddy or soft ground efficient chest compressions may still be applied.
In summary, the present invention will allow a first aider or passer by, with or without appropriate or up-to- date training, to perform suitable CPR on a casualty and for extended periods of time.
The present invention is also flexible enough to cope with changes in environment and, importantly, changes in working practices. For example, where the foregoing description has been concerned with CPR, it is also possible that in future cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) will be preferred to CPR in which case only a minor modification would be required to stop displaying reminders for "rescue breaths" and simply provide indicators of when to perform chest compressions.
Further modifications and improvements may be added without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.