GB2577687A - Defibrillator monitoring apparatus and method - Google Patents
Defibrillator monitoring apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
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- GB2577687A GB2577687A GB1816016.8A GB201816016A GB2577687A GB 2577687 A GB2577687 A GB 2577687A GB 201816016 A GB201816016 A GB 201816016A GB 2577687 A GB2577687 A GB 2577687A
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- defibrillator
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/38—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for producing shock effects
- A61N1/39—Heart defibrillators
- A61N1/3925—Monitoring; Protecting
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/38—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for producing shock effects
- A61N1/39—Heart defibrillators
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/38—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for producing shock effects
- A61N1/39—Heart defibrillators
- A61N1/3904—External heart defibrillators [EHD]
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- Cardiology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract
A defibrillator monitoring apparatus 2 provided for monitoring and reporting defibrillator status. The apparatus comprises, a battery monitoring member (figure 2, 12) arranged to detect battery data from a defibrillator battery, the battery data comprising at least one selected from the group: battery life, charge status, charge frequency, charge length; a location monitoring member (figure 2, 11) a power supply monitoring member, a memory and processor to store and process respectively the data and a communication member arranged to communicate the data to a user. The device may comprise a wireless transceiver such using Bluetooth, radio or GPS. It may contain an alert member to send an alert to the remote receiver. It may have a user input detection member to use the alert member to transmit an alert. It may contain a waterproof or weatherproof housing. It may use a method involving dispatching a service engineering and/or emergency personnel to the location.
Description
Defibrillator Monitoring Apparatus and Method
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to monitoring apparatuses, particularly to monitoring apparatuses for use in monitoring emergency care equipment such as defibrillators.
Background to the Invention
A defibrillator is a device that delivers a high energy electric current (often called a countershock) to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.
Automated external defibrillators are defibrillators designed for use by untrained or briefly trained laypersons. AEDs contain technology for analysis of heart rhythms. As a result, it does not require a trained health provider to determine whether or not a rhythm is shockable.
By making these units publicly available, AEDs have improved outcomes for sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
There are many defibrillators available in public places such as train stations, shopping centres, airport and leisure centres. These defibrillators are often known as public access defibrillators (PAD) as anyone can use them in an emergency.
However, device malfunctions and recalls, myriad legal requirements, and concerns over cost and potential liability have kept some organizations from participating.
In many cases, malfunctions and recalls are required simply through a misunderstanding or misuse of a defibrillator, and can lead increased fear and reluctance to attempt to use a defibrillator, and reduced uptake by organisations.
As such there is a requirement to improve reliability and overall public perception of use of defibrillators in the case of an emergency out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
It is therefore desirable to provide a means of overcoming the limitations of the presently available technology.
Summary of the invention
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a defibrillator monitoring apparatus/system for monitoring and reporting defibrillator status, the apparatus comprising, a battery monitoring member arranged to detect battery data from a defibrillator battery, the battery data comprising at least one selected from the group: battery life, charge status, charge frequency, charge length; a location monitoring member arranged to detect location data of said defibrillator; a power supply monitoring member arranged to detect power supply data from a power supply provided to said defibrillator; a memory arranged to store the battery data, the location data and the power data; a processor arranged to process the battery data, the location data and the power data; and a communication member arranged to communicate the battery data, the location data and the power data to a user.
The battery data, location data and power supply data can preferably be time-stamped.
Preferably the processor is arranged to time-stamp the battery data, the location data and/or the power supply data. Preferably the processor is arranged to time-stamp stored battery data, the location data and/or the power supply data stored in the memory.
The present invention relates to a defibrillator monitoring apparatus to monitor and store information relating to the operation of a defibrillator, and to preferably display and/or transmit information relating to the performance and reliability of the defibrillator during its daily use. Preferably the defibrillator monitoring apparatus is arranged to display and/or transmit a communication when a defibrillator, or one or more components of said defibrillator, has reached predetermined thresholds, the predetermined thresholds preferably arranged to warn of an impending and/or possible failure of the defibrillator.
Most defibrillators, and especially portable defibrillators, are battery powered.
Low battery power, or complete failure of the battery will result in the failure of the defibrillator. By monitoring the battery status, the present defibrillator monitoring apparatus can preferably communicate (display and/or transmit) the amount of battery power used and/or the amount of battery power remaining. Battery thresholds can preferably be programmed into the defibrillator monitoring apparatus, which are preferably arranged to advise, preferably by visible and/or audible means, and to preferably display the total battery life and/or usage.
The battery recharging process in defibrillators is important in that the battery can only sustain a certain number of recharges in its operational lifetime. Correctly recharging the battery is also therefore important, in that a particular incidence, or incidences, of recharging of the battery which does/do not conform to a manufacturer's recommendations can have the potential to reduce the life and/or efficiency of the battery. Monitoring the recharging information, preferably using the battery data and/or the power supply data of the monitoring apparatus of the present invention, will preferably give further advantages to the life of the battery. Such advantages are preferably provided using the present invention if the battery data and/or power supply data is recorded, displayed and/or relayed to a manufacturer and/or a supplier of a defibrillator.
The battery data and/or power supply data is preferably useful to a manufacturer in that the resulting information can preferably indicate the lifetime use of a defibrillator.
Preferably the defibrillator monitoring apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention is arranged to be programmed for, and is also preferably modifiable to suit, any type of defibrillator. Preferably the defibrillator monitoring apparatus of the first aspect is arranged to be retrofit into any type of defibrillator, and preferably therefore no further modifications and/or altered programming are required for such retrofitting. Different types of defibrillators exist, and the programmable or retrofit monitoring apparatus preferably allows the same monitoring apparatus to be used on a variety of defibrillators.
Using the present invention, battery data, power supply data, and/or location data relating to the usage of a defibrillator, which may be supplied by a particular manufacturer or supplier, can preferably be compiled in a periodic (daily, weekly or monthly, for example) report.
Preferably such as report may show, inter alia, whether said defibrillator has been used; whether the defibrillator is still in adequate working order; whether the defibrillator has been moved; whether the defibrillator power supply is working correctly; whether the defibrillator has been charged incorrectly; the frequency of use; the frequency of charging; the battery level; the battery status; the power supply status. Up-to-date information relating to defibrillator battery power, and/or defibrillator battery recharges can preferably be analysed using the battery data, the power supply data, the location data, and/or said report, and preferably acted on where necessary.
In embodiments wherein a defibrillator monitoring apparatus is incorporated into a non-portable, and/or fixed defibrillator, which may preferably be connected to mains power, the defibrillator monitoring apparatus is preferably arranged to recognise when said defibrillator is disconnected from a power supply of said defibrillator (which may, for example, be mains power) and the communication member will preferably communicate a visible and/or audible alarm. In embodiments wherein the defibrillator monitoring apparatus comprises a communication member arranged to communicate wirelessly, a message and/or an alert may preferably be sent automatically to a remote receiver, which may for example be a collection point or points.
The apparatus of the present invention preferably provides the advantage of automatic worldwide satellite monitoring of a plurality of defibrillators monitoring apparatuses and/or defibrillators. Such monitoring may preferably occur continuously, for examples 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, compared with some presently available systems which require sequential manual checking of defibrillators, one by one, periodically (for example, monthly).
International manufacturers, suppliers and/or servicers can preferably monitor all of the defibrillator monitoring apparatuses and/or defibrillators from a single administration point.
The communication member of the apparatus of the first aspect is preferably arranged to communicate messages according to the battery data, the location data and/or the power supply data. The memory is preferably arranged to store information input by an input member, the input preferably being detected by an input detection member. During a service, a service engineer can preferably input service data relating to the service, which may preferably be time-stamped. The defibrillator monitoring apparatus can therefore preferably provide automatic service reminders according to the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data, each of which may preferably be time-stamped.
Regular and/or continuous monitoring of battery data and/or power supply data may preferably highlight usage and preferably further inform of any misuse or faulty recharging. Therefore such monitoring may preferably provide longer life of batteries. This is preferably advantageous as defibrillator batteries are often expensive to repair or replace.
Location data can preferably enable geo fencing of a defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator. As such, used or stolen units can preferably be tracked and recovered with relative ease.
Preferably communication of battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data may be carried out wirelessly. Therefore, preferably said data can be transmitted to a remote receiver automatically once said defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or a defibrillator are installed.
Remote detection of misuse and/or faulty defibrillator monitoring apparatuses and/or defibrillators can preferably reduce the frequency of retrievals of defibrillator monitoring apparatuses and/or defibrillators being required.
In preferable embodiments wherein a defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator are incorporated into a defibrillator monitoring system, said system is preferably arranged to map functioning defibrillators for the purpose of informing a user of the nearest functioning defibrillator. Preferably early detection of faulty defibrillator monitoring apparatuses and/or defibrillators can preferably permit the removal of said faulty goods from any said mapping system until a repair or replacement of said goods is carried out. Preferably said removal of faulty goods and replacement of repaired or replaced goods into said mapping system is performed automatically by said system.
Use of faulty defibrillators can potentially result in deaths, which may in extreme cases lead to legal action against a defibrillator supplier, potentially under grounds of negligence. There may, as a result, be expensive legal repercussions faced by said supplier. The present invention may preferably mitigate these risks by allowing a supplier to monitor and repair and/or replace faulty defibrillators as soon as a fault occurs.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine when a, or each, defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator is used, which may, for example, include a date and/or a time of such an event, which may be in the form of a time-stamp.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine when a, or each, new defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator is installed.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine a location of a, or each, defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator, which may optionally be an area (for example a geo-fenced area) and/or an exact location. Optionally said location can be used for automatic mapping of said defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator, which may optionally be carried out upon installation of said defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine when a, or each, defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator is in requirement of a service, which may optionally be according to a predetermined schedule. Requirement for a service may optionally be determined through automatic detection, said automatic detection optionally including a detection of a faulty, malfunctioning and/or soon-to-be malfunctioning component of said defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine whether a, or each, defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator has been serviced, which may optionally include a time-stamp and/or a location.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine if a, or each, defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator is in working order.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine if a battery comprised within a, or each, defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator is fully charged. Optionally said data may be used to determine is said battery has no charge. Further optionally said data may be used to determine an exact charge level of said battery.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine a battery level of a, or each, defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator at any one time.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine when said battery was recharged and/or replaced.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine whether pads comprised within a, or each, defibrillator have been removed, which may include a time and/or location of such an event. The term "pads" will be understood by the skilled addressee to mean a defibrillation pad used by a user of a defibrillator to facilitate cardioversion and defibrillation, and may be further arranged to permit electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and external pacing. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein removal of any removable defibrillator components is determined using the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data.
Preferably the battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data can be used to determine automatic alerts for any or all the above, said alerts can optionally be via wired or wireless communication, in instances wherein the communication is wireless, the communication is preferably by text or email, although any suitable wireless communication will be appreciated. Such alerts can optionally be directed at one or any number of individuals or receivers.
The monitoring apparatus of the present invention preferably improves cost effectiveness associated with defibrillator monitoring, using, for example, a defibrillator monitoring system.
Constant monitoring can, for example, preferably improve cost effectiveness by informing monitoring personnel; a defibrillator servicing company; and or a manufacturing company, of more about the daily activities of defibrillators, resulting in earlier detection of impending faults and/or failures. Servicing costs can also preferably be reduced, potentially by detecting problems, faults and malfunctions early, before further cumulative or cascading damage occurs. Monitoring battery data on defibrillators can preferably enhance battery life, potentially by avoiding overcharging or misuse. Faulty defibrillators can cost lives, which could result in expensive legal costs. A monitoring apparatus according to the present invention can preferably reduce the likelihood of loss of life as a direct result of a malfunctioning or misused defibrillator. Preferably, early automatic identification and location of a faulty defibrillator can mean faults and malfunctions are identified before damage is allowed to accumulate, and the cost of repairs can therefore be reduced.
Preferably the communication member comprises at least one selected from the group: a local communication member; a remote communication member. Preferably the local communication member is a display screen and/or a short-range wireless communication transceiver. Preferably the short-range wireless communication transceiver is a BluetoothTM transceiver. Preferably the remote communication member is one selected from the group: a radio transceiver; a wireless transceiver; a mobile communications technology transceiver; a GPS transceiver.
Preferably the wireless technology may include any suitable wireless technology, examples of which are GSM, GPS and/or Bluetooth technology, into the monitoring apparatus.
The location data preferably permits the defibrillator monitoring apparatus, and therefore preferably a defibrillator, to be geo-fenced. Preferably, if the defibrillator monitoring apparatus, and therefore preferably a defibrillator, is moved from a location allocated using said geo-fencing, then a message can preferably be automatically sent by way of the communication member to a manufacturer or supplier of the defibrillator monitoring apparatus and/or defibrillator, informing them of its movement.
Preferably the apparatus further comprises an alerting member arranged to transmit an alert to a remote receiver according to the battery data, the location data or the power supply data.
A person being treated using a defibrillator will obviously require further medical attention. By including a communication member arranged to communicate using wireless technology in preferable embodiments, then messages and/or alerts, which may preferably comprise the battery data, the power supply data and/or the location data, can preferably be sent to a remote receiver, which may for example be a collection point such as, for example, an emergency medical services or a service centre. Preferably medical personnel could then react to this situation. In the case of GPS, then the geographical location of the defibrillator monitoring apparatus, and so therefore preferably a defibrillator, can also be identified.
Preferably the apparatus further comprises an on-board user input detection member arranged to detect input from a user, wherein the alerting member is arranged to transmit an alert to a remote receiver according to the input. Preferably the communication member is arranged to receive an acknowledgement, the acknowledgement being receivable following an alert. Preferably the communication member is arranged to communicate the acknowledgement to a user.
Preferably the communication member may be in further digital communication with an input detection member arranged to detect an input from a user. The input detection member may, in some embodiments, detect input from a user by way of activation of an emergency call switch. Preferably upon detection of activation of such an emergency call switch, the communication member is arranged to send a message and/or alert, preferably identifying the status of an emergency situation. Preferably any alert comprises the location data.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a defibrillator comprising a defibrillator monitoring apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
Preferably the defibrillator comprises a battery. Preferably the battery of said defibrillator is arranged to be recharged. Preferably the battery of said defibrillator is arranged to be recharged by a renewable energy source. Preferably the defibrillator comprises a solar panel, wherein the solar panel is arranged to charge a battery comprised with said defibrillator.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a defibrillator monitoring system comprising a defibrillator monitoring apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention; and at least one defibrillator; the defibrillator monitoring system further comprising a remote receiver arranged to receive and process the battery data; the location data; and the power supply data. Preferably the defibrillator comprised within the system of the third aspect is in accordance with a defibrillator of the second aspect of the present invention.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring a defibrillator comprising a defibrillator monitoring apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: detecting and storing battery data, location data and/or power supply data; processing the stored battery data, location data and/or power supply data; transmitting the stored battery data, location data and/or power supply data to a remote receiver; and - detecting a change in battery data, location data, and/or power supply data.
Preferably the method further comprises the step of: transmitting an alert from the defibrillator to the remote receiver.
Preferably the alert is transmitted when the defibrillator is in use.
Preferably the method further comprises the step of: transmitting an acknowledgement of successful receipt of the alert by the remote receiver to the defibrillator.
Preferably the method further comprises the step of: dispatching personnel to a location of the defibrillator determined using the location data.
Preferably the personnel comprises at least one selected from the group: defibrillator service engineer; emergency service personnel.
Detailed Description
Specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the components of an example embodiment of a system according to the third aspect of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example defibrillator according to the second aspect of the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a flow chart of steps of an example method according to fourth aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a defibrillator monitoring system in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, comprising a defibrillator of the second aspect incorporating a defibrillator monitoring apparatus of the first aspect. The example system shown in FIG. 1 is arranged to perform the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the system comprises a standard defibrillator 1. The defibrillator 1 comprises a defibrillator monitoring apparatus 2 having a housing accommodating a battery monitoring member (not shown), a location monitoring member (not shown) and a power supply monitoring member (not shown). The housing of the defibrillator monitoring apparatus 2 further comprises a memory, a processor and a wireless communication member taking the form of a GSM module arranged to communicate with a remote receiver by GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) via a GSM cell tower 3. The remote receiver in the embodiment shown is a service centre having a server 4 arranged to receive the signal from the communication member of the defibrillator monitoring apparatus 2. The battery monitoring member is in digital communication with a battery comprised within the defibrillator 1 and is arranged to detect a status of said battery. The status in the embodiment shown includes information on the battery level. The location monitoring member in the embodiment shown is a GPS module.
The defibrillator 1 is connected to a power supply (not shown), comprising a mains power connector used to recharge a battery (not shown) comprised within the defibrillator 1.
The defibrillator 1 of FIG. 1 comprises an external defibrillator monitoring apparatus 2. The communication member in the embodiment shown is arranged communicate with a remote server 4 which is arranged to collect data transmitted, and to correspondingly arranged to process said data, or alternatively to transmit said data to one or more of a computer 5, a tablet device 6, a laptop 7 and a mobile telephone 8. In the embodiment shown, each of the computer 5, a tablet device 6, a laptop 7 and a mobile telephone 8 are arranged to process and/or display said data to a user. Said processing, in the embodiment shown, includes identifying changes in said data to inform a user of the functionality of said defibrillator.
In use the defibrillator 1 is located in an easy-access location and is therefore arranged to be accessed by an individual in a case of an emergency out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In such an emergency, a user would locate the defibrillator 1, disconnect said defibrillator 1 from a docking point or charging point, and transport said defibrillator 1 to the individual in need of emergency care. The user would then proceed to perform emergency care on said individual. During application of emergency care by the user to the individual using said defibrillator, the user may activate an emergency call button (not shown) located on the housing of said defibrillator.
Upon disconnection of the defibrillator from said docking point or charging point, the power supply data detected by said power supply monitoring member and/or the battery data detected by said battery monitoring member will change to represent the disconnection. As the user transports the defibrillator to said individual, the location data detected by the location monitoring member will change. The communication member is arranged to transmit said battery data, said power supply data and said location data to the remote receiver, which is in turn arranged to detect said change and act accordingly. The change in the battery data, power supply data and/or location data is, for example, used to inform the dispatch of an emergency medical team to the location of the individual. Following activation of the emergency call button by the user, the communication member is arranged to transmit an alert to the remote receiver. The remote receiver, which in the case of the embodiment shown is a server 4, routes the communicated alert to a computer 5 located in an emergency service centre (not shown). The emergency service centre may then respond to the alert by transmitting an acknowledgement of said alert to the communication member. Said acknowledgment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is in the form of text to be displayed on the display screen. Said text informs the user that emergency service team are on their way. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the communication member is arranged to provide two-way communication between a user and a remote receiver, and may in some embodiments comprise a speaker and microphone for verbal communication.
Referring to FIG. 2, a defibrillator 9 is shown in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, into which is fitted a defibrillator monitoring apparatus 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The defibrillator 9 comprises a battery 12 and a display 13. The defibrillator monitoring apparatus 10 comprises a locating member 11 taking the form of a GPS module arranged to provide location data, and a communication member 14 and alerting member 14 taking the form of a GSM transceiver. The defibrillator further comprises an emergency call switch 15, which is in digital communication with the defibrillator monitoring apparatus 14 and is arranged to provide a messaging/alerting function. In the embodiment shown, the communication member 14 and the alerting member 14 are the same. Embodiments will be a appreciated wherein the alerting member and the communication member are different.
Referring to FIG. 3, a method of monitoring a defibrillator comprising a defibrillator monitoring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of: detecting and storing battery data, location data and/or power supply data 16; processing the stored battery data, location data and/or power supply data 17; transmitting the stored battery data, location data and/or power supply data to a remote receiver 18; and detecting a change in battery data, location data, and/or power supply data 19.
In use, the method is use to monitor the status of a defibrillator, facilitated by a defibrillator monitoring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, and substantially as discussed herein.
Substantially the same concept as described herein, along with any of the features discussed in the Summary of the Invention, could optionally be applied to a portable or implanted oxygen concentrator, a powered boat, a powered bicycle, a powered wheelchair, a powered scooter, a powered golf buggie, a motor bike, similar powered vehicles, a caravan or mobile home, solar-powered battery assembly and powered emergency traffic lights, among others. In such embodiments, detecting and storing battery data, location data and power supply data and communicating said data to a remote receiver for monitoring would be advantageous to mitigate relevant risks associated with such powered devices. Risks may include theft, misuse, incorrect charging, unexpected battery failure. Such additional examples may further benefit from a message acknowledgement system similar to that employed in optional embodiments of the present invention. Such an acknowledgement may, for instance, inform an individual that help will be on the way should their portable oxygen concentrator malfunction.
In any embodiment comprising a motorised vehicle, any battery data, location data, power supply data and/or input service data may, in addition to the described features in the Summary of the Invention, optionally be used to determine a travel distance used and/or remaining travel distance available based upon a charge level of a battery (collectively termed "travel data"). Such travel data could optionally be transmitted to, and visualised by a remote receiver. Such travel data could also optionally be used to provide a message or an alert according to one or more predetermined thresholds of said data, such as, for instance, if inadequate battery charge is available for the required distance, an alert may be transmitted to a receiver, which may be a user by way of a visible or audible alert, or may additionally/alternatively be a remote receiver by way of a wireless communication.
It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, a monitoring apparatus, system and method are provided for monitoring a defibrillator.
Claims (6)
- CLAIMS1. A defibrillator monitoring apparatus for monitoring and reporting defibrillator status, the apparatus comprising, a battery monitoring member arranged to detect battery data from a defibrillator battery, the battery data comprising at least one selected from the group: battery life, charge status, charge frequency, charge length; a location monitoring member arranged to detect location data of said defibrillator; a power supply monitoring member arranged to detect power supply data from a power supply provided to said defibrillator; a memory arranged to store the battery data, the location data and the power data; a processor arranged to process the battery data, the location data and the power data; and a communication member arranged to communicate the battery data, the location data and the power data to a user.
- 2. A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication member comprises at least one selected from the group: a local communication member; a remote communication member.
- 3. A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the local communication member is a display screen and/or a short-range wireless communication transceiver.
- A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the short-range wireless communication transceiver is a BluetoothTM transceiver.
- 5. A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the remote communication member is one selected from the group: a radio transceiver; a wireless transceiver; a mobile communications technology transceiver; a GPS transceiver.
- 6. A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an alerting member arranged to transmit an alert to a remote receiver according to the battery data, the location data or the power supply data. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising an onboard user input detection member arranged to detect input from a user, wherein the alerting member is arranged to transmit an alert to a remote receiver according to the input.A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the communication member is arranged to receive an acknowledgement, the acknowledgement being receivable following an alert.A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the communication member is arranged to communicate the acknowledgement to a user.A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery monitoring member, the location monitoring member, the power supply monitoring member, the processor, the memory and the communication member are located inside a housing.A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the housing is weatherproof.A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the housing is waterproof.A defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 10, claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the housing is tamperproof.A defibrillator comprising a defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.A defibrillator monitoring system comprising a defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13; and at least one defibrillator; the defibrillator monitoring system further comprising a remote receiver arranged to receive and process the battery data; the location data; and the power supply data.A method of monitoring a defibrillator comprising a defibrillator monitoring apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of: -detecting and storing battery data, location data and/or power supply data; - processing the stored battery data, location data and/or power supply data; - transmitting the stored battery data, location data and/or power supply data to a remote receiver; and - detecting a change in battery data, location data, and/or power supply data. 5 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method further comprises the step of: - transmitting an alert from the defibrillator to the remote receiver.18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the alert is transmitted when the defibrillator is in use.19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the step of: - transmitting an acknowledgement of successful receipt of the alert by the remote receiver to the defibrillator.20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the method further comprises the step of: - dispatching personnel to a location of the defibrillator determined using the location data.21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the personnel comprises at least one selected from the group: defibrillator service engineer; emergency service personnel.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1816016.8A GB2577687A (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2018-10-01 | Defibrillator monitoring apparatus and method |
| PCT/GB2018/053263 WO2019092443A1 (en) | 2017-11-13 | 2018-11-12 | Defibrillator monitoring apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1816016.8A GB2577687A (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2018-10-01 | Defibrillator monitoring apparatus and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB2577687A true GB2577687A (en) | 2020-04-08 |
Family
ID=69771330
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1816016.8A Withdrawn GB2577687A (en) | 2017-11-13 | 2018-10-01 | Defibrillator monitoring apparatus and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2577687A (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5470343A (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1995-11-28 | Zmd Corporation | Detachable power supply for supplying external power to a portable defibrillator |
| US20110060378A1 (en) * | 2009-09-07 | 2011-03-10 | Tuysserkani Bijan B | Automated external defibrillator device with integrated wireless modem |
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| US20130012151A1 (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2013-01-10 | Hankins Mark S | Defibrillator with integrated telecommunications |
| US20150039040A1 (en) * | 2012-08-10 | 2015-02-05 | Physio-Control, Inc | Wearable defibrillator system communicating via mobile communication device |
| US20170007129A1 (en) * | 2015-07-07 | 2017-01-12 | Zoll Medical Corporation | Systems and methods for communicating data |
-
2018
- 2018-10-01 GB GB1816016.8A patent/GB2577687A/en not_active Withdrawn
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5470343A (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1995-11-28 | Zmd Corporation | Detachable power supply for supplying external power to a portable defibrillator |
| US20110060378A1 (en) * | 2009-09-07 | 2011-03-10 | Tuysserkani Bijan B | Automated external defibrillator device with integrated wireless modem |
| US20120112903A1 (en) * | 2010-11-08 | 2012-05-10 | Zoll Medical Corporation | Remote medical device alarm |
| US20130012151A1 (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2013-01-10 | Hankins Mark S | Defibrillator with integrated telecommunications |
| US20150039040A1 (en) * | 2012-08-10 | 2015-02-05 | Physio-Control, Inc | Wearable defibrillator system communicating via mobile communication device |
| US20170007129A1 (en) * | 2015-07-07 | 2017-01-12 | Zoll Medical Corporation | Systems and methods for communicating data |
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