Visual and aural user interface for an automated external defibrillator

Abstract

An automated external defibrillator (AED) ( 10 ) designed for use by a rescuer with minimal or no training during a medical emergency is provided. The AED implements a user interface program ( 22 ) which guides the rescuer through operation of the AED and application of CPR and defibrillation therapy to a patient by displaying a series of visual instructions on a graphic display ( 14 ) or other visual output device, and by providing additional aural instructions via a speaker ( 18 ) or other aural output device. The rescuer merely needs to press a start button ( 12 ) to initiate operation of the AED and begin CPR and defibrillation instruction.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A defibrillator capable of providing a user with defibrillator and treatment instructions, the defibrillator comprising: 
 a processing unit;    a visual output device coupled to the processing unit for displaying instructions to the user;    an aural output device coupled to the processing unit for issuing instructions to the user; and    a memory coupled to the processing unit for storing program code that, when executed by the processing unit, generates: 
 emergency notification instruction on at least one of the visual and aural output devices;  
 CPR instruction on at least one of the visual and aural output devices;  
 patient assessment instruction on at least one of the visual and aural output devices; and  
 defibrillation therapy instruction on at least one of the visual and aural output devices,  
 wherein the emergency notification instruction comprises: 
 causing the defibrillator to establish a communication link to an emergency response system;  
 if the communication link is established, notifying the user that the communication link with the emergency response system has been established; and  
 if the communication link fails, instructing the user to notify the emergency response system.