Wireless monitoring apparatus used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (aed) system for multiple patient rescue during mass casualty incidents

Abstract

A Wireless Monitoring Apparatus is used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED) system for patient rescue in mass-casualty incidents. The rescuer applies the device on each patient. The wireless monitoring apparatus automatically analyzes the patient's heart rhythm and communicates with the AED system. The AED system is therefore is able to display information with regard to each patient, notifies the rescuer on actions to take and can deliver defibrillation therapy if needed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wireless monitoring apparatus comprising:
 at least one battery;   one or more electrodes for attachment to a patient;   a status indication system;   at least one controller;   controls, components and circuitry to allow wireless communications.   
     
     
         2 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the device has the controls and circuitry to measure and analyze the patient's ECG signal. 
     
     
         3 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the device has the controls and circuitry to measure and analyze the patient's transthoracic impedance signal. 
     
     
         4 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the device has the controls and circuitry to measure and analyze one or more the patient's:
 temperature; 
 blood oxygen level; 
 blood pressure; 
 pulse; 
 heart rate. 
 
     
     
         5 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the device analyzes the patient's ECG to determine if the patient's heart rhythm is shockable. 
     
     
         6 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the device determines if the patient's heart rhythm is shockable and communicates the results to an AED or other wireless device. 
     
     
         7 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the device determines if the patient's heart rhythm is shockable and uses the status indication system to notify the rescuer of the results. 
     
     
         8 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the device measures and stores the patient data in internal memory. 
     
     
         9 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the device upon request transmits patient data in real-time to another device. 
     
     
         10 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the device upon request transmits patient data stored in internal memory to another wireless device. 
     
     
         11 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the device only transmits patient data stored in internal memory during non-clinical periods. 
     
     
         12 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein the device has a unique ID number that it transmits to another device, once the patient is applied. 
     
     
         13 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the device indication system contains visual and audible components to alert the rescuer of a number of conditions. 
     
     
         14 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the device contains a release liner that exposes the electrodes when removed. 
     
     
         15 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the device release liner contains a component that when removed, causes the device to activate. 
     
     
         16 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the device runs a periodic self-test and uses the status indication system to notify the user of the results. 
     
     
         17 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the device contains a watch-dog circuit that works in conjunction with the status indication system, so that if any circuit mal-functions, the status indication system notifies the user in a failsafe manner. 
     
     
         18 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the device uses a communication link protocol to connect with an AED or other wireless device. 
     
     
         19 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein the communication link protocol uses a pre-programmed parameter to decide which device it connects with. 
     
     
         20 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein the communication link protocol uses GPS location to decide which device it connects with. 
     
     
         21 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein upon request from a wireless device, the apparatus establishes a communications link. 
     
     
         22 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein upon request, the apparatus changes its communications link with the current device to a new device. 
     
     
         23 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the device release liner contains a component that indicates that the device is for training use or clinical use. 
     
     
         24 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the release liner component is sensed by the apparatus and this information is communicated to an AED or other device to place it in training or clinical modes. 
     
     
         25 . A wireless monitoring apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the electronics are removable.