WO2008107840A1

WO2008107840A1 - System and method for deploying an external defibrillator

Info

Publication number: WO2008107840A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/050773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carl Morgan
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
Priority date: 2007-03-07
Filing date: 2008-03-03
Publication date: 2008-09-12

Abstract

A system for alerting a user of the existence, location, or both of a defibrillator is disclosed. A defibrillator is coupled to a communication unit connected to a communication channel, such as a telephone line. The communication unit monitors the telephone line and activates an indicator device upon detecting a telephone call to an emergency service. The indicator device generates an audible or visible signal effective to make a user aware of the existence, location, or both of the defibrillator. The communication unit may also cause the defibrillator to commence preparing for use in response to detection of communication to the emergency service.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING AN EXTERNAL

DEFIBRILLATOR

[001] This invention relates to defibrillators, particularly semi-automatic and automatic external defibrillators.

[002] One frequent consequence of heart arrhythmia is the development of cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation may be treated by applying an electric shock to the patient's heart through the use of a defibrillator. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is commonly used to treat victims of cardiac arrest until a defibrillator can be brought to treat the arrhythmia.

[003] The chances of surviving a cardiac arrest decrease with time after the onset of the episode. Quick response to an arrest by performing CPR and/or by administering a defibrillating shock is therefore of critical importance. The American Heart Asssociations's "Chain of Survival" recites the following steps:

[004] 1. Rapid access to medical care, such as by activating an emergency response system (e.g., by calling an ambulance);

[005] 2. Rapid CPR initiated by a bystander or other early caregiver to help the victim survive until more advanced care arrives;

[006] 3. Rapid defibrillation; and

[007] 4. Rapid application of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), such as airway management, drugs, etc. The benefits of this approach are discussed in more detail in Cummins, et al., "Improving Survival From Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The 'Chain of Survival Concept," 83 Circulation 18332-47 (May 1991).

[008] Many homes and businesses include on-site defibrillators so that rapid defibrillation can be performed. However, the emergency situations are relatively rare occurrences and on-site defibrillators and the existence and location of an on-site defibrillator may not come to mind when cardiac arrest occurs. The benefit of an on- site defibrillator may therefore be lost by unnecessarily waiting for emergency personnel to arrive with a defibrillator. [009] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and method for promoting the awareness of an on-site defibrillator in an emergency situation.

[010] A defibrillator deploying system is disclosed for alerting a user of the existence and location of a defibrillator. In one embodiment a defibrillator is coupled to a communication unit connected to a communication channel, such as a telephone line. The communication unit monitors the telephone line and activates an indicator device upon detecting a telephone call to an emergency service. The indicator device provides an audible or visible signal, or a combination thereof, effective to make a user aware of the existence and location of the defibrillator.

[011] In one embodiment, the communication unit is programmed to transmit a message over the telephone line. The message may be directed to the emergency service called and may be transmitted to the emergency service simultaneously or after the initial call to the emergency service. The message may be prerecorded or recorded by the user and typically states that a defibrillator is available and describes how to locate the defibrillator.

[012] In another embodiment, the communication unit is programmed to cause the defibrillator to prepare for use. This may include causing a power source within the defibrillator to begin charging in preparation for use. It may further include initializing a computerized controller responsible for controlling the defibrillator and providing instructions to the user.

[013] In the drawings:

[014] Figure 1 illustrates a defibrillator deploying system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[015] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a defibrillator deploying system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[016] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a defibrillator deploying system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[017] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of another alternative embodiment of a defibrillator deploying system according to an embodiment of the invention. [018] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of another alternative embodiment of a defibrillator deploying system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[019] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of another alternative embodiment of a defibrillator deploying system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[020] Certain details are set forth below to provide a sufficient understanding of the invention. However, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these particular details. Moreover, the particular embodiments of the present invention described herein are provided by way of example and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments, hi other instances, well-known circuits, control signals, timing protocols, and software operations have not been shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.

[021] Figure 1 illustrates a defibrillator 10 for home use. The defibrillator 10 may be coupled a telephone line 12 that is also coupled to one or more telephones 14. The telephone line 12 connects to a telephone network (not shown) enabling communication to other telephones and to emergency services. The telephone line 12 may also connect to an intranet, the Internet, or other network enabling communication to other telephones and to emergency services. The telephone line 12 may comprise any communication channel used for voice or data communication within a home or business, including conventional telephone wires, voice over IP (VOIP) data lines, a cordless phone system, or any wireless communication system. An automatic external defibrillator (AED) connected to a communication system is described in international patent application publication number WO2006/070307, for example.

[022] hi use, the defibrillator 10 may be placed in a closet or cabinet 16 in a room 18a where it is not generally visible. The telephone 14 may be in another room 18b. When cardiac arrest occurs, the existence and location of the defibrillator may not be known to a potential rescuer or may not immediately come to mind, hi one embodiment of the present invention, the defibrillator 10 monitors the telephone line 12 and detects communications to emergency services such as the fire department, paramedics, police, or the like. For example, communication to emergency services is detected by monitoring the telephone line 12 for calls to a telephone number designated for emergency services, such as, "911" in the United States. Upon detecting a communication to an emergency service, the defibrillator 10 activates an indicator device in order to draw attention to the existence and location of the defibrillator. In alternative embodiments, additional emergency contact numbers can be programmed so that the defibrillator can further recognize communication to other emergency contacts, for example, a user's cardiologist or a hospital. The connection between the defibrillator 10 and the telephone line 12 may also be used in non-emergency situations by the defibrillator 10 to call an emergency service or a monitoring service to report the maintenance status of the defibrillator, self-test results, or usage data.

[023] Referring to Figure 2, a defibrillator 10 may include two electrodes 20 for placing against a patient's chest to administer a shock. The defibrillator further includes a controller 22 coupled to a power source 24. The controller is programmed to control the flow of current from the power source 24 to the electrodes 20 and may be embodied as a processor-based computing device. The power source 24 includes a battery which is used to provide power to the components of the defibrillator 10 as well as charge an energy storage device, such as a capacitor, in preparation for delivery of defibrillation shocks. The defibrillator 10 further includes a user interface 26 connected to the controller. The user interface 26 may consist of a display, an audio speaker, lights, or an alternative interface device. The user interface 214 is used for providing visual, audio, or a combination, of feedback to the user, such as visual and audible prompts for operating the defibrillator 10. One or more control buttons 28 may be coupled to the controller 22 to enable manual control of the operation of the defibrillator 10.

[024] The defibrillator includes a memory 48, such as a flash memory, hard drive, or other nonvolatile memory, coupled to the controller 22. The memory 48 stores instructional data that is used by the controller 22 to generate signals for the user interface 26 to produce audible instructions playable on a speaker that instruct a user on how to operate the defibrillator 10. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 22 further generates signals to produce visual instructions on a display of the user interface 26. The memory 48 further stores program data that may be read by the controller 22 to control the defibrillator 10.

[025] A communication unit 30 is included in or coupled to the defibrillator 10. The communication unit 30 is coupled to the telephone line 12 and monitors phone calls over the telephone line 12 in order to detect calls to emergency services. The communication unit 30 may be a separate device from the defibrillator 10 which is coupled to the defibrillator 10. Alternatively, the communication unit 30 is a part of the defibrillator 10 and located within the same housing as the defibrillator, as shown for the embodiment of Figure 2. hi alternative embodiments, the communication unit 30 is included in the controller 22, or a portion of the communication unit 30 is included in the controller 22.

[026] An indicator device 32 is coupled to the communication unit 30 and provides a perceptible signal. The indicator device 32 may be embodied as a speaker, buzzer, or vibrator that produces an audible noise. The sound produced may be a recorded voice message stating that the defibrillator is available, hi one embodiment, the indicator device 32 includes a voice message recorded by the end user stating where the defibrillator is located, hi an alternative embodiment, the indicator device 32 is a light source that turns on or flashes to alert a user. Although shown as a separate component in Figure 2, the indicator device 32 may be included as part of the user interface 26. That is, the communication unit 30 may be coupled to the user interface 26 to control the interface devices, such as the display, audio speaker, and/or lights, to provide perceptible visual and/or audible signals.

[027] Referring to Figure 3, an embodiment is shown in which the communication unit 30 includes a memory 36 and an input device 38, such as a key pad, touch screen, or other input device. A user inputs telephone numbers by means of the input device 38, such as a telephone number for a cardiologist, hospital, paramedics, or the like. The numbers are stored in the memory device 36. The communication device 30 monitors the telephone line 12 and compares numbers dialed from the telephone 14 to the stored numbers. When one of the numbers is dialed, the communication unit 30 activates the indicator 32. In an alternative embodiment, the numbers are input by means of the telephone 14. For example, the communication unit 30 may be temporarily set by a user to monitor the telephone line 12 and to store dialed numbers within the memory 36. Alternatively, the communication unit 30 may have a number assigned thereto such that a user may call the communication unit 30 and input a number by means of the key pad of the telephone 14.

[028] Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment the communication unit 30 is programmed to notify the controller 22 when a call to an emergency service is detected and, in response, the controller 22 begins preparing the defibrillator 10 for use. For example, the controller 22 may power-up the defibrillator 10 upon receiving notice of the call from the communication unit 30. As part of the power-up routine, the controller initiates charging of the power source 24 to prepare for delivery of a defibrillation shock, if necessary.

[029] Referring to Figure 5, in this embodiment the communication unit 30 is programmed to play an audio message 44 over the telephone line 12. The message 44 is stored in the memory 36. hi one embodiment, the communication unit 30 is programmed to play the message 44 a predefined delay period after detecting a communication over the telephone line 12 or after detecting the establishment of a telephone connection with an emergency service. The message 44 may be played during a phone call to an emergency service to alert the emergency service that the defibrillator 10 is available. The communication unit 30 may also be programmed to receive calls such that a user may dial a number assigned to the communication unit 30 to find out where the defibrillator 10 is located. Upon being called, the communication unit 30 may transmit the message 44 to the phone 14. m other embodiments, the message 44 may be played over an audio speaker, such as included in the user interface 26, rather than being transmitted over the telephone line 12.

[030] In some embodiments, the communication unit 30 may be coupled to a microphone 46 enabling an end user to record the message 44. hi other embodiments, a user may speak into the telephone 14 while the communication unit 30 is temporarily set to record signals on the telephone line 12 and to store the recorded signals as the message 44. Alternatively, the communication unit 30 may have a number assigned thereto, such that the user may dial the number and transmit a message to the communication unit 30 over the telephone line 12. The user may then speak into the phone 14 and the communication unit 30 will record the user's message 44 and store it in the memory 36.

[031] Referring to Figure 6, in this embodiment the defibrillator 10 is docked to a docking station 58. The communication unit 30 is included in the docking station 58 and is electrically coupled to the defibrillator 10 through at least one electrical contact 60. As an alternative to the electrical contact, the defibrillator 10 could be in wireless communication with the docking station as by a Bluetooth or infrared communication link. The docking station could be powered from the defibrillator power source 24 or have its own battery or a.c. source of power. The indicator device 32 is also included in the docking station 58 which, as previously discussed, provides a perceptible signal in response to the communication unit 30 detecting communication to emergency service or, additionally, a user programmed number. As previously mentioned, this signaling could also be communicated to the defibrillator 10 to cause the defibrillator to power up in preparation for use. The defibrillator 10 can be removed from the docking station 58 for use.

[032] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the features illustrate in Figures 1-6 may be found in a single device. Alternatively, embodiments including any combination of less than all of the features illustrated in Figures 1-6 are also contemplated by this disclosure. Other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for treating cardiac arrest, comprising: a communication device; a communication channel coupled to the communication device; and a defibrillator comprising a pair of electrodes, a power source selectively coupled to the electrodes, a controller coupled to the electrodes and power source and configured to control delivery of defibrillation energy to the electrodes, an indicator device configured to provide a user perceptible signal in response to being activated, and a communication unit coupled to the communication channel and configured to activate the indicator device in response to detecting communication to an emergency contact over the communication channel.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator device comprises an audio speaker configured to generate an audibly perceptible signal when activated.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator device comprises a visual indicator device configured to generate a visibly perceptible signal when activated.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication unit comprises a communication unit configured to transmit information over the communication channel in response to detecting communication to an emergency contact.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the communication unit comprises a communication unit configured to transmit an audio message indicating the existence of the defibrillator over the communication channel in response to detecting communication to an emergency contact.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the audio message indicates the location of the defibrillator.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a memory coupled to the communication unit and the controller and configured to store data representing telephone numbers, and wherein the communication unit comprises a communication unit configured to activate the indicator device in response to detecting communication to one of the stored telephone numbers.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the stored telephone numbers include at least one of a public emergency telephone number, a physician telephone number, or a medical facility telephone number.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication unit comprises a communication unit configured to activate the indicator device in response to detecting a telephone communication to a telephone number designated for emergency services.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the defibrillator further comprises a docking station configured to cradle a removable defibrillator portion including the electrodes, power source and controller, the communication unit located within the docking station.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication channel comprises a wireless communication channel.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller comprises a controller configured to initialize the defibrillator for operation in response to detecting communication to an emergency contact over the communication channel.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the controller comprises a controller configured to initiate charging of the power supply in response to detecting communication to an emergency contact over the communication channel.

14. A method for treating cardiac arrest, comprising: monitoring a communication channel to a communication device; and activating an indicator device proximate to a defibrillator upon detection of a communication to an emergency service from the communication device over the communication channel.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein activating the indicator device comprises producing an audible alarm.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein activating the indicator device comprises producing a visual alarm.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein activating the indicator device comprises transmitting a message over the communication channel.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the message indicates the existence of the defibrillator.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the message indicates the location of the defibrillator.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising initiating charging of the defibrillator upon detection of a communication to the emergency service.