Emergency management system

• US 20070043585A1
• Filed: 08/10/2006
• Published: 02/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey Matos
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey Matos
• Inventors: Matos, Jeffrey
• Granted Patent: US 9,082,156 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for: 1) displaying all vital central station (CS) information and controls on a single screen; 2) linking peripheral central stations (pCSs) to a master central station (mCS); 3) operating the system disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/460,458, without medical professionals (MPs) in the mCS or without any mCS; 4) linking a remote controlled defibrillator (RCD™) unit to an arrest sensor; 5) operating an RCD unit in a motor vehicle and linking an RCD unit to a vehicle communications system; 6) linking an RCD unit to a CS through a network of: a) non-vehicle-based stationary units (SUs), b) vehicle-based SUs/vehicle communication systems, or c) non-vehicle-based SUs and vehicle-based SUs/vehicle communication systems; 7) using an RCD unit with a chest compression device; 8) using the network of RCD units and MPs for disaster monitoring; and 9) monitoring and treating hospital patients and motor vehicle passengers.

Claims

1. A method for allocating a medical professional (MP) from among a plurality of MPs to provide remote emergency medical assistance to at least one of (1) a victim, and (2) an enabler to the victim (VE), wherein each MP and each VE are associated with a respective communication station each of which is remote from a central station (CS), the method comprising the steps of:

(a) maintaining a list at the CS of MPs who may be available to provide immediate medical assistance;

(b) transmitting a first signal to the central station from a VE representing that the respective VE is in need of emergency medical assistance and requesting such assistance;

(c) receiving said first signal at said CS and selecting a MP from said list; and

(d) at the CS, connecting the VE in need of assistance to the selected MP, if he is available, so that medical information may be passed between said selected MP and the VE in need of assistance.

2. The method defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting a second signal from the CS to a MP after such MP has been selected, to alert this MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to a VE in need of assistance.

3. The method defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of transmitting a confirmation signal from the selected MP to said CS indicating that said MP will provide immediate medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance and, if a confirmation signal is not received at said CS within a prescribed time, selecting an alternate MP and transmitting an alternate second signal from the CS to the alternate MP to alert the alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance.

4. The method defined in claim 2, further comprising the steps of;

(1) transmitting a non-confirmation signal from the selected MP to said CS indicating that said MP is not able to provide immediate medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance; and

(2) at the CS, selecting an alternate MP from the list and transmitting an alternate second signal to said alternate MP to alert this alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance.

5. The method defined in claim 1, wherein said step of maintaining a list includes the step of transmitting a third signal from a MP to said CS indicating the availability status of the respective MP to provide immediate medical assistance.

6. The method defined in claim 5, wherein said third signal indicates an availability status selected from the group consisting of:

(1) on duty; and

(2) off duty.

7. The method defined in claim 6, wherein the availability status for “

on duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call; and

(ii) unable to handle a call.

8. The method defined in claim 7, wherein said status (i) is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) not currently handling a call; and

(ii) currently handling a call and able to handle another simultaneous call.

9. The method defined in claim 6, wherein the availability status for “

off duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within about one minute; and

(ii) not able to handle a call within about one minute.

10. The method defined in claim 9, wherein said status (ii) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within an interval of time from about one minute to less than about 24 hours; and

(ii) not able to handle, even if requested.

11. The method defined in claim 1, wherein at least one MP is additionally located at the CS and is able to provide immediate medical assistance through a terminal at the CS.

12. The method defined in claim 11, wherein said at least one MP located at the CS is included in the list of MPs for possible selection at the CS.

13. The method defined in claim 12, wherein a MP located at the CS is given priority for selection over a MP at a remote communication station.

14. The method defined in claim 12, wherein all MPs available to provide assistance are given equal priority for selection.

15. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the step of selecting an available MP includes the steps of arranging the list of available MPs in accordance with a priority of each MP and selecting the available MP with the highest priority.

16. The method defined in claim 15, wherein the priority is determined by at least one of the following factors:

(1) length of time since the MP provided assistance to a previous VE in need of assistance; and

(2) competency of the MP to provide assistance to the current VE.

17. The method defined in claim 16, wherein said competency of the MP is measured by at least one of the MP'"'"'s certification and qualifications.

18. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of establishing a prospective schedule of availability of each MP, and thereafter updating the list to include each MP who is currently scheduled to provide medical assistance.

19. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of transmitting a signal to an additional MP who is not on the list to request that he provide services when the number of MPs on the list falls below a prescribed threshold, and adding such additional MP to the list if an acknowledgement is received from such MP indicating that he can provide services.

20. A method for allocating a medical professional (MP) from among a plurality of MPs to provide remote emergency medical assistance to at least one of (1) a victim, and (2) to an enabler to the victim (VE), wherein each MP and each VE are associated with a respective communication station, each having a unique address and each of which is remote from a central station (CS), the method comprising the steps of:

(a) maintaining a list at the CS of MPs who may be available to provide immediate medical assistance;

(b) transmitting a first signal to said CS from a VE representing that the respective VE is in need of emergency medical assistance and requesting such assistance;

(c) receiving said first signal at said CS and selecting a MP from said list;

(d) transmitting a second signal from the CS to the VE in need of assistance, said second signal indicating the address of the selected MP;

(e) initiating, from the VE communication station of the VE in need of assistance, a communication connection which connects said VE to the selected MP at the MP address indicated by said CS; and

(f) transmitting signals between the VE in need of assistance and the selected MP;

whereby medical information may be passed between the selected MP and the VE in need of assistance in a communications link that bypasses the CS.

21. The method defined in claim 20, further comprising the step of transmitting a third signal from the CS to a MP after such MP has been selected, to alert this MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to a VE in need of assistance.

22. The method defined in claim 21, further comprising the step of transmitting a confirmation signal from the selected MP to said CS indicating that said MP will provide immediate medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance and, if a confirmation signal is not received at said CS within a prescribed time, selecting an alternate MP and transmitting an alternate third signal from the CS to the alternate MP to alert the alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance.

23. The method defined in claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

(1) transmitting a non-confirmation signal from the selected MP to said CS indicating that said MP is not able to provide immediate medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance; and

(2) at the CS, selecting an alternate MP from the list and transmitting an alternate third signal to said alternate MP to alert this alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance.

24. The method defined in claim 20, further comprising the step of transmitting a fourth signal from the VE to the selected MP after receipt of the MPs address, to confirm with this MP that he is available to provide emergency medical assistance to said VE.

25. The method defined in claim 24, further comprising the step of transmitting a confirmation signal from the selected MP to said VE in need of assistance, indicating that said MP will provide immediate medical assistance to said VE and, if a confirmation signal is not received by said VE within a prescribed time,

(1) transmitting a further first signal from the VE to said CS requesting that the CS select an alternate MP, and alert the alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance, and

(2) at the CS, selecting an alternate MP from the list and transmitting an alternate second signal to said alternate MP to alert this alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance.

26. The method defined in claim 24, further comprising the steps of;

(1) transmitting a non-confirmation signal from the selected MP to said VE in need of assistance indicating that said MP is not able to provide immediate medical assistance;

(2) transmitting a further first signal from the VE to said CS requesting that the CS select an alternate MP, and alert the alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance; and

(3) at the CS, selecting an alternate MP from the list and transmitting an alternate second signal to said alternate MP to alert this alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance.

27. The method defined in claim 20, wherein said step of maintaining a list includes the step of transmitting a fifth signal from a MP to said CS indicating the availability status of the respective MP to provide immediate medical assistance.

28. The method defined in claim 27, wherein said fifth signal indicates an availability status selected from the group consisting of:

(1) on duty; and

(2) off duty.

29. The method defined in claim 28, wherein the availability status for “

on duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call; and

(ii) unable to handle a call.

30. The method defined in claim 29, wherein said status (i) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) not currently handling a call; and

(ii) currently handling a call and able to handle another simultaneous call.

31. The method defined in claim 28, wherein the availability status for “

off duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within about one minute; and

(ii) not able to handle a call within about one minute.

32. The method defined in claim 31, wherein said status (ii) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within an interval of time from about one minute to less than about 24 hours; and

(ii) not able to handle a call, even if requested.

33. The method defined in claim 20, wherein at least one MP is located at the CS and is able to provide immediate medical assistance through a terminal at the CS.

34. The method defined in claim 33, wherein said at least one MP located at the CS is included in the list of MPs for possible selection at the CS.

35. The method defined in claim 34, wherein a MP located at the CS is given priority for selection over a MP at a remote communication station.

36. The method defined in claim 34, wherein all MPs available to provide assistance are given equal priority for selection.

37. The method defined in claim 20, wherein the step of selecting an available MP includes the steps of arranging the list of available MPs in accordance with a priority of each MP and selecting the available MP with the highest priority.

38. The method defined in claim 37, wherein the priority is determined by at least one of the following factors:

(1) length of time since the MP provided assistance to a previous VE in need of assistance; and

(2) competency of the MP to provide assistance to the current VE.

39. The method defined in claim 38, wherein said competency of the MP is measured by at least one of the MP'"'"'s certification and qualifications.

40. The method defined in claim 20, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of establishing a prospective schedule of availability of each MP, and thereafter updating the list to include each MP who is currently scheduled to provide medical assistance.

41. The method defined in claim 20, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of transmitting a signal to an additional MP who is not on the list to request that he provide services when the number of MPs on the list falls below a prescribed threshold, and adding such additional MP to the list if an acknowledgement is received from such MP indicating that he can provide services.

42. A method for allocating a medical professional (MP) from among a plurality of MPs to provide remote emergency medical assistance to at least one of (1) a victim, and (2) to an enabler to the victim (VE), wherein each MP and each VE are associated with a respective communication station, each having a unique address and each of which is remote from a central station (CS), the method comprising the steps of:

(a) maintaining a list at the CS of MPs who may be available to provide immediate medical assistance;

(b) transmitting a first signal to the CS from a VE representing that the respective VE is in need of emergency medical assistance and requesting such assistance;

(c) receiving the first signal at a CS and selecting an available MP;

(d) transmitting a second signal from the CS to the selected MP, said second signal identifying the address of the VE in need of assistance;

(e) initiating, from the MP communication station of the selected MP, a communication connection which connects said MP to the VE in need of assistance at the VE address indicated by said CS; and

(f) transmitting signals between the selected MP and the VE in need of assistance;

whereby medical information may be passed between the selected MP and the VE in need of assistance in a communications link that bypasses the central station.

43. The method defined in claim 42, further comprising the step of transmitting a third signal from the CS to a MP after such MP has been selected, to alert this MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to a VE in need of assistance.

44. The method defined in claim 43, further comprising the step of transmitting a confirmation signal from the selected MP to said CS indicating that said MP will provide immediate medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance and, if a confirmation signal is not received at said CS within a prescribed time, selecting an alternate MP and transmitting an alternate third signal from the CS to the alternate MP to alert the alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance.

45. The method defined in claim 43, further comprising the steps of;

(1) transmitting a non-confirmation signal from the selected MP to said CS indicating that said MP is not able to provide immediate medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance; and

(2) at the CS, selecting an alternate MP from the list and transmitting an alternate third signal to said alternate MP to alert this alternate MP that he is requested to provide emergency medical assistance to said VE in need of assistance.

46. The method defined in claim 42, wherein said step of maintaining a list includes the step of transmitting a fourth signal from a MP to said CS indicating the availability status of the respective MP to provide immediate medical assistance.

47. The method defined in claim 46, wherein said fourth signal indicates an availability status selected from the group consisting of:

(1) on duty; and

(2) off duty.

48. The method defined in claim 47, wherein the availability status for “

on duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call; and

(ii) unable to handle a call.

49. The method defined in claim 48, wherein said status (i) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) not currently handling a call; and

(ii) currently handling a call and able to handle another simultaneous call.

50. The method defined in claim 47, wherein the availability status for “

off duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within about one minute; and

(ii) not able to handle a call within about one minute.

51. The method defined in claim 50, wherein said status (ii) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within an interval of time from about one minute to less than about 24 hours; and

(ii) not able to handle a call, even if requested.

52. The method defined in claim 42, wherein at least one MP is located at the CS and is able to provide immediate medical assistance through a terminal at the CS.

53. The method defined in claim 52, wherein said at least one MP located at the CS is included in the list of MPs for possible selection at the CS.

54. The method defined in claim 53, wherein a MP located at the CS is given priority for selection over a MP at a remote communication station.

55. The method defined in claim 53, wherein all MPs available to provide assistance are given equal priority for selection.

56. The method defined in claim 42, wherein the step of selecting an available MP includes the steps of arranging the list of available MPs in accordance with a priority of each MP and selecting the available MP with the highest priority.

57. The method defined in claim 56, wherein the priority is determined by at least one of the following factors:

(1) length of time since the MP provided assistance to a previous VE in need of assistance; and

(2) competency of the MP to provide assistance to the current VE.

58. The method defined in claim 57, wherein said competency of the MP is measured by at least one of the MP'"'"'s certification and qualifications.

59. The method defined in claim 42, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of establishing a prospective schedule of availability of each MP, and thereafter updating the list to include each MP who is currently scheduled to provide medical assistance.

60. The method defined in claim 42, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of transmitting a signal to an additional MP who is not on the list to request that he provide services when the number of MPs on the list falls below a prescribed threshold, and adding such additional MP to the list if an acknowledgement is received from such MP indicating that he can provide services.

61. A method for allocating a medical professional (MP) from among a plurality of MPs to provide remote emergency medical assistance to at least one of (1) a victim, and (2) an enabler to the victim (VE), wherein each MP and each VE are associated with a respective communication station, each communication station having a unique address, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) maintaining at each VE a list of MPs and their addresses for a plurality MPs who are possibly available to provide immediate medical assistance;

(b) selecting a MP from said list at a VE in need of emergency medical assistance;

(c) initiating, from the VE communication station of the VE in need of assistance, a communication connection which connects said VE to the selected MP at the MP address

(d) transmitting a first signal from the VE in need of assistance to the selected MP at his address to request assistance from the respective MP; and

(e) if the respective MP is available to provide immediate assistance, transmitting signals between the VE in need of assistance and the respective MP;

whereby medical information may be passed between the respective MP and the VE in need of assistance.

62. The method defined in claim 61, wherein, if the previously selected MP is unavailable to provide immediate assistance, an other MP is selected and steps (c) through (e) are repeated with respect to said other MP.

63. The method defined in claim 61, wherein if said first signal is received by a MP who is currently immediately available to provide medical assistance, said method further comprises the step of sending a second signal from such MP to said VE in need of assistance, indicating that he will provide immediate medical assistance.

64. The method defined in claim 61, wherein if said first signal is received by a MP who is not currently immediately available to provide medical assistance, said method further comprises the step of sending a third signal from such MP to said VE in need of assistance indicating that said MP is not available.

65. The method defined in claim 63, wherein if said VE in need of assistance receives a second signal from an MP indicating that said MP is available, said VE in need of assistance continues to communicate with said MP who sent said second signal.

66. The method defined in claim 64, wherein if said VE in need of assistance receives a third signal indicating that said respective MP is not available, said VE selects another possible MP from said list at his respective address and repeats steps (c) through (e).

67. The method defined in claim 61, wherein if said VE in need of assistance does not receive any signal in response to said first signal, said VE selects another possible MP from said list at said VE address and repeats step (c) through (e).

68. The method defined in claim 61, wherein said step of maintaining a list includes the step of transmitting a fourth signal from an MP to said VE indicating the availability status of the respective MP to provide immediate medical assistance.

69. The method defined in claim 68, wherein said fourth signal indicates an availability status selected from the group consisting of:

(1) on duty; and

(2) off duty.

70. The method defined in claim 69, wherein the availability status for “

on duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call; and

(ii) unable to handle a call.

71. The method defined in claim 70, wherein said status (i) is further subdivided into the following categories:

i) not currently handling a call; and

(ii) currently handling a call and able to handle another simultaneous call.

72. The method defined in claim 69, wherein the availability status for “

off duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within about one minute; and

(ii) not able to handle a call within about one minute.

73. The method defined in claim 72, wherein said status (ii) is further subdivided into at least two of the following categories:

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within an interval of time from about one minute to less than about 24 hours; and

(ii) not able to handle a call, even if requested.

74. The method defined in claim 61, wherein the step of selecting an available MP includes the steps of arranging the list of available MPs in accordance with a priority of each MP and selecting the available MP with the highest priority.

75. The method defined in claim 74, wherein the priority is determined by at least one of the following factors:

(1) length of time since the MP provided assistance to a previous VE in need of assistance; and

(2) competency of the MP to provide assistance to the current VE.

76. The method defined in claim 75, wherein said competency of the MP is measured by at least one of the MP'"'"'s certification and qualifications.

77. The method defined in claim 61, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of establishing a prospective schedule of availability of each MP, and thereafter updating the list to include each MP who is currently scheduled to provide medical assistance.

78. The method defined in claim 61, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of transmitting a signal to an additional MP who is not on the list to request that he provide services when the number of MPs on the list falls below a prescribed threshold, and adding such additional MP to the list if an acknowledgement is received from such MP indicating that he can provide services.

79. A method for allocating a medical professional (MP) from among a plurality of MPs to provide remote emergency medical assistance to at least one of (1) a victim, and (2) an enabler to the victim, (VE), wherein each MP and each VE are associated with a respective communication station, each communication station having a unique address, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) maintaining a list at each VE of a plurality of MPs and their respective addresses who are possibly available to provide immediate medical assistance;

(b) selecting two or more MPs from said list at a VE in need of emergency medical assistance;

(c) attempting to initiate, from the VE communication station of the VE in need of assistance, communication connections which connect said VE to said selected MPs at said MP addresses;

(d) transmitting a first signal to each selected MP from the VE in need of emergency medical assistance;

(e) if said first signal is received by a MP who is currently available to provide immediate medical assistance, transmitting a second signal from said MP to said VE in need of assistance, indicating that the respective MP will provide such assistance;

(f) if said first signal is received by a MP who is not currently available to provide immediate medical assistance, transmitting a third signal from said MP to said VE in need of assistance, indicating that the respective MP is not available; and

(g) if said VE in need of assistance receives a second signal from a particular MP, said VE continues to communicate with said particular MP such that the respective MP can provide assistance.

80. The method defined in claim 79, wherein if said VE in need of assistance receives a plurality of said second signals from responding MPs, said VE transmits a fourth signal to all but one of the responding MPs indicating that assistance is no longer needed.

81. The method defined in claim 79, wherein if said VE does not receive any second signal in response to said first signal, said VE selects at least two previously unselected possibly available MPs from said list and repeats step (c) and (d).

82. The method defined in claim 79, wherein said step of maintaining a list includes the step of transmitting a fifth signal from a MP to said VE indicating the availability status of the respective MP to provide immediate medical assistance.

83. The method defined in claim 82, wherein said fifth signal indicates an availability status selected from the group consisting of:

(1) on duty; and

(2) off duty.

84. The method defined in claim 83, wherein the availability status for “

on duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call; and

(ii) unable to handle a call.

85. The method defined in claim 84, wherein said status (i) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) not currently handling a call; and

(ii) currently handling a call and able to handle another simultaneous call.

86. The method defined in claim 83, wherein the availability status for “

off duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within about one minute; and

(ii) not able to handle a call within about one minute.

87. The method defined in claim 86, wherein said status (ii) is further subdivided into at least two of the following categories:

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within an interval of time from about one minute to less than about 24 hours; and

(ii) not able to handle a call, even if requested.

88. The method defined in claim 79, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of establishing a prospective schedule of availability of each MP, and thereafter updating the list to include each MP who is currently scheduled to provide medical assistance.

89. The method defined in claim 79, wherein the step of maintaining a list includes the steps of transmitting a signal to an additional MP who is not on the list to request that he provide services when the number of MPs on the list falls below a prescribed threshold, and adding such additional MP to the list if an acknowledgement is received from such MP indicating that he can provide services.

90. A method for allocating a medical professional (MP) from among a plurality of MPs to provide remote emergency medical assistance to at least one of (1) a victim, and (2) an enabler to the victim, (VE), wherein each MP and each VE are associated with a respective communication station, each having a unique address, and wherein the plurality of MPs are configured in a circular network with each MP assigned to a position in the network and linked to the MP assigned to an adjacent position in the network, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) maintaining a list at each VE of at least one MP in the circular network, and his respective address, who is possibly available to provide immediate medical assistance;

(b) selecting said one MP, the initially selected MP, from said list at a VE in need of emergency medical assistance;

(c) attempting to initiate, from the VE communication station of the VE in need of assistance, a communication connection which connects said VE in need of assistance to the initially selected MP;

(d) transmitting a first, request signal to said initially selected MP from the VE in need of emergency medical assistance;

(e) if said request signal is received by an initially selected MP who is currently available to provide immediate medical assistance, transmitting a second, acceptance signal from said selected MP to said VE in need of assistance, indicating that the respective MP will provide such assistance;

(f) if said request signal is received by an initially selected MP who is not currently available to provide immediate medical assistance, transmitting said request signal from said initially selected MP to the MP in the next, adjacent position in the circular network, the next selected MP, indicating that the initially selected MP is not available to provide immediate medical assistance, and thereby requesting the next selected MP in the network to provide assistance to the VE in need of assistance;

(g) repeating step (f) until said request signal is received by a next selected MP who is currently available to provide immediate medical assistance; and

(h) if said VE in need of assistance receives a second, acceptance signal from a particular MP, said VE continues to communicate with said particular MP such that the respective MP can provide assistance.

91. The method defined in claim 90, wherein the plurality of MPs are configured in at least two circular networks with each MP assigned to a position in one of the networks and linked to the MP assigned to the next, adjacent position in his respective network, and wherein if said request signal is received by an initially selected MP in a first network who is not currently available to provide immediate medical assistance, and none of the MPs in the first network are available to provide such assistance, transmitting said request signal from said initially selected MP to a second initially selected MP in a second circular network, indicating that the initially selected MP and the MPs in said initially selected MP'"'"'s network are not available to provide immediate medical assistance, and thereby selecting the second initially selected MP in the second network to provide assistance to the VE in need of assistance;

and repeating steps (f) and (g) until said request signal is received by a MP who is currently available to provide immediate medical assistance.

92. The method defined in claim 90, wherein said step of maintaining a list includes the step of transmitting a third signal from an MP to said VE indicating the availability status of the respective MP to provide immediate medical assistance.

93. The method defined in claim 92, wherein said third signal indicates an availability status selected from the group consisting of:

(1) on duty; and

(2) off duty.

94. The method defined in claim 93, wherein the availability status for “

on duty”

is further subdivided into the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call; and

(ii) unable to handle a call.

95. The method defined in claim 94, wherein said status (i) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) not currently handling a call; and

(ii) currently handling a call and able to handle another simultaneous call.

96. The method defined in claim 93, wherein the availability status for “

off duty”

is further subdivided into at least two of the following categories;

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within about one minute; and

(ii) not able to handle a call within about one minute.

97. The method defined in claim 96, wherein said status (ii) is further subdivided into the following categories:

(i) able to handle a call, if requested, within an interval of time from about one minute to less than about 24 hours; and

(ii) not able to handle a call, even if requested.

98. The method defined in claims 90, wherein said network has a scheduling system such that at all times there are at least two of:

(i) MPs who are currently signed on;

(ii) MPs who are available to sign on; and

(iii) MPs who are not signed on.

99. The method defined in claim 91 wherein each said network has a scheduling system such that at all times there are at least two of:

(i) MPs who are currently signed on;

(ii) MPs who are available to sign on;

(iii) MPs who are not signed on.

100. The method defined in claim 91, wherein said first network has a scheduling system such that at all times there are MPs who are currently signed on, and wherein said second network has a scheduling system such that at all times there are MPs who are available to sign on.

101. Apparatus for sensing the possibility of a cardiac arrest in a mammal, said sensor apparatus comprising at least two of the following elements:

(1) means for sensing cardiac electrical activity;

(2) means for sensing transthoracic chest wall impedance;

(3) means for sensing a change in respiration;

(4) means for sensing sudden deceleration;

(5) means for sensing audible cardiac activity;

(6) means for sensing audible sounds of distress;

(7) means for sensing a physical collapse of the mammal;

(8) means for sensing a change in body attitude of the mammal; and

(9) means for sensing that the mammal is in a supine position.

102. The apparatus defined in claim 101, wherein said apparatus for sensing the possibility of a cardiac arrest further comprises means coupled to said at least two elements for producing a signal indicating a probability that the mammal is experiencing a cardiac arrest.

103. Apparatus for sensing the possibility of a cardiac arrest in a mammal, said sensor apparatus comprising, in combination:

(a) at least one of the following elements;

(1) means for sensing cardiac electrical activity;

(2) means for sensing transthoracic chest wall impedence;

(3) means for sensing a change in respiration;

(4) means for sensing sudden deceleration;

(5) means for sensing audible cardiac activity;

(6) means for sensing audible sounds of distress;

(7) means for sensing a physical collapse of the mammal;

(8) means for sensing a change in body attitude of the mammal; and

(9) means for sensing that the mammal is in a supine position; and

(b) means coupled to said at least two elements for producing a signal indicating a probability that the mammal is experiencing a cardiac arrest.

104. A cardiac monitoring and resuscitation system which allows a victim of a medical emergency immediate access to a medical professional who can and will remotely monitor, diagnose and treat said victim at one of a plurality of remote sites, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying medical information from a victim for evaluation by said medical professional;

(2) a first input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(3) a first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and said first input device, for electronic communication with emergency cardiac monitoring and defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising a portable unit including;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for electronic communication with said first T/R device of said central station;

(2) a defibrillator circuit, having a control input coupled to said second T/R device, for generating a defibrillation pulse at a defibrillator circuit output in response to a defibrillation control signal received at said defibrillator circuit control input;

(3) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device and having an ECG electrode input;

(4) a plurality of contact electrodes, adapted to be placed by a nearby enabler upon a chest wall of said victim, said plurality of contact electrodes being adapted to be arranged at separate locations on said chest wall for the receipt of ECG signals from said victim and for application of said defibrillation pulse to said victim;

(5) a connecting cable having a plurality of electric wires for connecting each of said contact electrodes to at least one of (i) said ECG electrode input and (ii) said defibrillator output; and

(6) at least one sensor, having an output coupled to said second T/R device, for producing at least one signal indicating that the victim may be in need of treatment for a medical emergency;

whereby (1) said ECG signals may be transmitted from selected ones of said contact electrodes via said ECG circuit to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional, (2) said first defibrillation control signal may be applied to the defibrillator circuit to generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim and (3) said at least one signal from said at least one sensor may be transmitted to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional.

105. The monitoring system defined in claim 104, wherein said medical professional has a list of possibly available enablers and said central station further includes means for contacting at least one of them and dispatching at least one enabler to the victim, in the event of at least one of a) a sensor output indicating a possibility of cardiac arrest, and b) uncertainty about interpretation of a sensor output;

whereby the enabler, upon arrival at the victim, may;

a) report additional information to the medical professional; and

b) follow resuscitation commands from the medical professional.

106. The monitoring system defined in claim 104, wherein the said central station further includes means for contacting a 9-1-1 emergency medical team and dispatching them to the victim in the event of at least one of a) a sensor output indicating a possibility of cardiac arrest b) uncertainty about interpretation of sensor data;

whereby the emergency medical team, upon arrival at the victim, may take at least one of following actions;

a) report additional information to the medical professional; and

b) follow resuscitation commands from the medical professional; and

c) resuscitate the victim.

107. The monitoring system defined in claim 104, wherein, in the event of at least one of a) a sensor output indicating a possibility of a cardiac arrest, and b) uncertainty about interpretation of sensor data, the medical professional may:

a) more carefully analyze sensor output data at the central station;

b) check on the victim at fixed intervals, using said sensor;

c) check on the victim at non-fixed intervals, using said sensor, said interval depending on the results of at least one previous victim check;

d) cause the sensor to do at least one of (i) collect data at a greater rate/density, (ii) report data to the central station at a greater frequency, (iii) change said sensor'"'"'s sensitivity, and, (iv) if the sensor is connected to a data processor for analysis of the sensor output, change the method of analysis performed by the processor.

108. Apparatus for sensing the possibility of a cardiac arrest in a victim, said sensor apparatus comprising means for sensing the sudden collapse of the victim,

wherein said sensor monitors at least one of:

(1) cardiac electrical activity, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external electrocardiogram monitor worn by said victim

(2) heart rate, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external electrocardiogram monitor worn by said victim;

d) a camera which detects movement of at least one of;

i) said victim'"'"'s precordial area [heart vicinity],

ii) the skin overlying said victim'"'"'s carotid artery, and

iii) the skin overlying said victim'"'"'s abdominal aorta; and

e) a sensitive microphone;

(3) transthoracic chest wall impedance, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external monitor worn by said victim;

(4) respiratory rate, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external monitor worn by said victim which includes at least one of;

i) transthoracic impedance monitoring apparatus, and

ii) a strain gauge which detects chest wall motion;

d) a camera which detects movement of at least one of;

i) said victim'"'"'s chest,

ii) exhaled air [using infrared detection to detect the warmed air]; and

e) a sensitive microphone;

(5) sudden deceleration of at least one of

     1) the victim'"'"'s body or

     2) a part thereof, by monitoring at least one of

a) a gyroscope assembly worn by said victim, which allows for the monitoring of body position,

b) a conductive or partially conductive-liquid-containing vessel, worn by the victim, with two or more conductive electrodes extending from the vessel surface into the liquid-containing chamber, with said electrodes positioned such that deceleration may cause a change in the liquid spatial distribution which is sensed as a change in impedance using said conductive electrodes;

c) a microphone,

d) a video camera, and

e) an accelerometer or piezoelectric transducer within a cardiac device implanted in said victim;

(6) audible sounds of distress, sensed by one or more microphones;

(7) ground proximity, by monitoring at least one of;

a) the detection of an increase in 50-60 cycle per second electromagnetic radiation by an antenna/transducer and amplifier worn by said victim;

b) an ultrasound detection system worn by said victim, wherein at least one of;

i) said victim wears a transducer and there is an ultrasound source situated in the floor; and

ii) said victim wears an ultrasound source and there is a transducer situated in the floor

c) at least one video camera; and

d) a high resolution global positioning device;

(8) at least one of a) change in body attitude, b) rate of change in body attitude (J;

?OK patent language ? hereinbelow referred to as dA/dT, the first time derivative of attitude), c) the rate of change of dA/dT, a measure of acceleration (hereinbelow referred to as d²A/dT²), and higher derivatives of attitude with respect to time, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a gyroscopic device [? OK patent language ?described above],

b) a fluid filled container [described above],

c) an accelerometer or piezoelectric transducer within a cardiac device implanted in said victim,

d) at least one video camera, and

e) a polarized light detection system worn by said victim, wherein at least one of;

i) said victim wears a polarized light transducer and there is an polarized light source situated on one or more walls; and

ii) said victim wears a polarized light source and there is a polarized light transducer situated on one or more walls;

(9) attainment of supine position, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a fluid filled container [described above],

b) at least one video camera,

c) said polarized light detector [described above]; and

(10) victim video images obtained from at least one video camera, by monitoring at least one of;

a) the actual image of said victim, and

b) a computer-analyzed image of said victim.

109. Apparatus for sensing the possibility of a cardiac arrest in a victim comprising a cardiac monitoring and resuscitation system which allows the victim immediate access to a medical professional who can and will remotely monitor, diagnose and treat said victim at one of a plurality of remote sites, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying medical information from a victim for evaluation by said medical professional;

(2) a first input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(3) a first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and said first input device, for electronic communication with emergency cardiac monitoring and defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising a portable unit including;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for electronic communication with said first T/R device of said central station;

(2) a defibrillator circuit, having a control input coupled to said second T/R device, for generating a defibrillation pulse at a defibrillator circuit output in response to a defibrillation control signal received at said defibrillator circuit control input;

(3) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device and having an ECG electrode input;

(4) a plurality of contact electrodes, adapted to be placed by a nearby enabler upon a chest wall of said victim, said plurality of contact electrodes being adapted to be arranged at separate locations on said chest wall for the receipt of ECG signals from said victim and for application of said defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(5) a connecting cable having a plurality of electric wires for connecting each of said contact electrodes to at least one of (i) said ECG electrode input and (ii) said defibrillator output;

whereby (1) said ECG signals may be transmitted from selected ones of said contact electrodes via said ECG circuit to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional, and (2) said first defibrillation control signal may defibrillator circuit may generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.

110. Apparatus for sensing the possibility of a cardiac arrest in a victim, said sensor apparatus comprising means for sensing the sudden collapse of the victim,

wherein said sensor monitors at least two of:

(1) cardiac electrical activity, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external electrocardiogram monitor worn by said victim

(2) heart rate, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external electrocardiogram monitor worn by said victim;

d) a camera which detects movement of at least one of;

i) said victim'"'"'s precordial area [heart vicinity],

ii) the skin overlying said victim'"'"'s carotid artery, and

iii) the skin overlying said victim'"'"'s abdominal aorta; and

e) a sensitive microphone;

(3) transthoracic chest wall impedance, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external monitor worn by said victim;

(4) respiratory rate, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external monitor worn by said victim which includes at least one of;

i) transthoracic impedance monitoring apparatus, and

ii) a strain gauge which detects chest wall motion;

d) a camera which detects movement of at least one of;

i) said victim'"'"'s chest,

ii) exhaled air [using infrared detection to detect the warmed air]; and

e) a sensitive microphone;

(5) sudden deceleration of at least one of

     1) the victim'"'"'s body or

     2) a part thereof, by monitoring at least one of

a) a gyroscope assembly worn by said victim, which allows for the monitoring of body position,

b) a conductive or partially conductive-liquid-containing vessel, worn by the victim, with two or more conductive electrodes extending from the vessel surface into the liquid-containing chamber, with said electrodes positioned such that deceleration may cause a change in the liquid spatial distribution which is sensed as a change in impedance using said conductive electrodes;

c) a microphone,

d) a video camera, and

e) an accelerometer or piezoelectric transducer within a cardiac device implanted in said victim;

(6) audible sounds of distress, sensed by one or more microphones;

(7) ground proximity, by monitoring at least one of;

a) the detection of an increase in 50-60 cycle per second electromagnetic radiation by an antenna/transducer and amplifier worn by said victim;

b) an ultrasound detection system worn by said victim, wherein at least one of;

i) said victim wears a transducer and there is an ultrasound source situated in the floor; and

ii) said victim wears an ultrasound source and there is a transducer situated in the floor

c) at least one video camera; and

d) a high resolution global positioning device;

(8) at least one of a) change in body attitude, b) rate of change in body attitude (dA/dT, the first time derivative of attitude), c) the rate of change of dA/dT, a measure of acceleration (d²A/dT²), and higher derivatives of attitude with respect to time, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a gyroscopic device,

b) a fluid filled container,

c) an accelerometer or piezoelectric transducer within a cardiac device implanted in said victim,

d) at least one video camera, and

e) a polarized light detection system worn by said victim, wherein at least one of;

i) said victim wears a polarized light transducer and there is an polarized light source situated on one or more walls; and

ii) said victim wears a polarized light source and there is a polarized light transducer situated on one or more walls;

(9) attainment of supine position, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a fluid filled container,

b) at least one video camera,

c) said polarized light detector; and

(10) victim video images obtained from at least one video camera, by monitoring at least one of;

a) the actual image of said victim, and

b) a computer-analyzed image of said victim.

111. The apparatus defined in claim 110, further comprising a cardiac monitoring and resuscitation system which allows the victim immediate access to a medical professional who can and will remotely monitor, diagnose and treat said victim at one of a plurality of remote sites, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying medical information from a victim for evaluation by said medical professional;

(2) a first input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(3) a first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and said first input device, for electronic communication with emergency cardiac monitoring and defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising a portable unit including;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for electronic communication with said first T/R device of said central station;

(2) a defibrillator circuit, having a control input coupled to said second T/R device, for generating a defibrillation pulse at a defibrillator circuit output in response to a defibrillation control signal received at said defibrillator circuit control input;

(3) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device and having an ECG electrode input;

(4) a plurality of contact electrodes, adapted to be placed by a nearby enabler upon a chest wall of said victim, said plurality of contact electrodes being adapted to be arranged at separate locations on said chest wall for the receipt of ECG signals from said victim and for application of said defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(5) a connecting cable having a plurality of electric wires for connecting each of said contact electrodes to at least one of (i) said ECG electrode input and (ii) said defibrillator output;

whereby (1) said ECG signals may be transmitted from selected ones of said contact electrodes via said ECG circuit to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional, and (2) said first defibrillation control signal may defibrillator circuit may generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.

112. Apparatus for monitoring the possibility of infant death syndrome in a victim, said apparatus comprising means for sensing the failure of respiration in the victim and producing an output warning signal when the victim ceases breathing

wherein said sensing means monitors at least two of:

(1) transthoracic chest wall impedance, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external monitor worn by said victim;

(2) respiratory rate, by monitoring at least one of;

a) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s heart;

b) a cardiac device within said victim'"'"'s body that is attached to lead wires within said victim'"'"'s torso;

c) an external monitor worn by said victim which includes at least one of;

i) transthoracic impedance monitoring apparatus, and

ii) a strain gauge which detects chest wall motion;

d) a camera which detects movement of at least one of;

i) said victim'"'"'s chest,

ii) infrared detection to detect warmed exhaled air; and

e) a sensitive microphone;

(3) audible sounds of distress, sensed by one or more microphones; and

(10) victim video images obtained from at least one video camera, by monitoring at least one of;

a) the actual image of said victim, and

b) a computer-analyzed image of said victim.

113. A patient monitoring system which allows a monitoring person who can and will remotely monitor, diagnose and try to correct a medical problem of a person at one of a plurality of remote sites, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying medical information from a person for evaluation by said monitoring person; and

(2) a receiving device, coupled to said display device, for electronic communication with emergency medical monitoring apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) medical monitoring apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising;

(1) a transmitting device for electronic communication with said receiving device of said central station;

(2) at least one device, coupled to said transmitting device, for obtaining physiologic data from said person at said site, said device including means for monitoring the person'"'"'s respiration including at least one of (i) electrodes applied to the chest wall to measure transthoracic impedance, and (ii) a strain gauge applied to the chest wall; and

(iii) a microphone in the near vicinity of the person'"'"'s mouth coupled to data processing means for analysis of the signals produced by the microphone to detect breathing.

114. A patient monitoring system which allows a monitoring person who can and will remotely monitor, diagnose and try to correct a medical problem of a person at one of a plurality of remote sites, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying medical information from a person for evaluation by said monitoring person; and

(2) a receiving device, coupled to said display device, for electronic communication with emergency medical monitoring apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) medical monitoring apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising;

(1) a transmitting device for electronic communication with said receiving device of said central station;

(2) at least one device, coupled to said transmitting device, for obtaining physiologic data from said person at said site, said device being at least partially implanted in said person.

115. The patient monitoring system defined in claim 114, wherein said device for obtaining physiologic data is fully implanted in the person.

116. The patient monitoring system defined in claim 114, wherein said device for obtaining physiologic data includes a control input for controlling the operation thereof;

wherein said central station further comprises an input device, responsive to the monitoring person, for producing at least one control signal, and a transmitting device for transmitting said control signal to said medical monitoring apparatus at said remote station; and

wherein said medical monitoring apparatus includes a receiving device for receiving said control signal, and supplying said control signal to said device for obtaining physiologic data.

117. The patient monitoring system defined in claim 114, wherein said central station further comprises an input device, responsive to the monitoring person, for producing at least one control signal, and a transmitting device for transmitting said control signal to said medical monitoring apparatus at said remote station, and wherein said medical monitoring apparatus includes a receiving device for receiving said control signal, and an alarm device, responsive to said control signal for sounding an alarm.

118. A disaster monitoring system which allows a medical professional to remotely monitor a medical emergency at at least one remote site, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying information from said remote sites for evaluation by said medical professional;

(2) at least one first input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing at least one disaster action signal; and

(3) a first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and to said first input device, for electronic communication with disaster monitoring apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) disaster monitoring apparatus disposed at at least one remote site, said apparatus comprising;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for electronic communication with said first T/R device of said central station; and

(2) a least one sensor device selected from the group comprising;

(i) a biological sensor device, coupled to said second T/R device, for sensing the presence of a hazardous biological agent and producing a biological warning signal for transmission to said central station, indicative of the presence of said biological agent;

(ii) a chemical sensor device, coupled to said second T/R device, for sensing the presence of a hazardous chemical agent and producing a chemical warning signal for transmission to said central station, indicative of the presence of said chemical agent; and

(iii) a radiological sensor device, coupled to said second T/R device, for sensing the presence of hazardous nuclear agent and producing a radiological warning signal for transmission to said central station, indicative of the presence of said radiological agent;

(3) a least one device, coupled to said second T/R device to receive said disaster action signal, which is selected from the group consisting of;

(i) an audio output device capable of delivering a MP announcement;

(ii) an audio control device for audio inputs which allows remote adjustment of at least one of;

gain, filtering, sensitivity and directionality;

(iii) a video output device capable of displaying at least one of text, still images, and moving images;

(iv) a video camera control device with control inputs which allow remote adjustment of at least one of camera orientation, zoom, focus, iris diameter, resolution, frame rate, contrast, brightness, gain, picture coding format and camera choice;

(v) at least one fan, the operation of said fan causing an increase in airflow in the vicinity of said sensor devices;

(vi) a first releasable lock, the operation of which allows the detachment of said disaster monitoring apparatus from a fixed, relatively immovable structure; and

(vii) a second releasable lock, the operation of which allows the opening a door to a toolkit containing various devices useful for dealing with biological, chemical or radiological emergencies,

whereby said medical professional at said central station may;

(a) make an announcement at said remote site;

(b) listen to sounds at said remote site;

(c) have a conversation with at least one person at said remote site;

(d) display at least one of text and video images at said remote site;

(e) observe said remote site;

(f) operate a fan at said remote site;

(g) release a lock which locks said disaster monitoring apparatus to a fixed structure at said remote site; and

(h) release a lock which locks a toolkit door of said disaster monitoring apparatus.

119. Apparatus defined in claim 118, wherein said display device at said central station includes means for displaying at least one of:

(1) at least one map showing at least one of

(a) the location of each of a plurality of remote sites,

(b) the present sensor outputs at each of a plurality of remote sites,

(c) past sensor outputs at each of a plurality of remote sites, and

(d) at least one of;

nearby disaster management personnel, facilities, and equipment; and

(2) at least one video camera output image received from the monitoring apparatus at a selected one of said remote sites.

120. The apparatus defined in claim 118, wherein said central station further comprises:

(1) a second display device for displaying cardiac information from a victim for evaluation by said medical professional;

(2) at least one second input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim;

wherein said first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device is coupled to said second display device and said second input device, for electronic communication with emergency cardiac monitoring and defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) said disaster monitoring apparatus further comprises emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus, each said apparatus comprising a portable unit including;

(1) a defibrillator circuit, having a control input coupled to said second T/R device, for generating a defibrillation pulse at a defibrillator circuit output in response to a defibrillation control signal received at said defibrillator circuit control input;

(2) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device and having an ECG electrode input;

(3) a plurality of contact electrodes, adapted to be placed by a nearby enabler upon a chest wall of said victim, said plurality of contact electrodes being adapted to be arranged at separate locations on said chest wall for the receipt of ECG signals from said victim and for application of said defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(4) a connecting cable having a plurality of electric wires for connecting each of said contact electrodes to at least one of (i) said ECG electrode input and (ii) said defibrillator output;

whereby (1) said ECG signals may be transmitted from selected ones of said contact electrodes via said ECG circuit to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional, (2) said first defibrillation control signal may be transmitted from said central station to said control input of said defibrillator circuit and (3), in response thereto, said defibrillator circuit may generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.

121. Cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus adapted to be arranged in a motor vehicle for cardiac monitoring and resuscitation of a victim of a medical emergency who is in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, said apparatus allowing an untrained human enabler adjacent the victim immediate access to a medical professional who can and will remotely monitor, diagnose and treat the victim, said apparatus comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying cardiac information from a victim for evaluation by said medical professional;

(2) a first input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(3) a first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and said first input device, for electronic communication with emergency cardiac monitoring and defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus adapted to be disposed in said motor vehicle and comprising;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for electronic communication with said first T/R device of said central station;

(2) a defibrillator circuit, having a control input coupled to said second T/R device, for generating a defibrillation pulse at a defibrillator circuit output in response to a defibrillation control signal received at said defibrillator circuit control input;

(3) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device, and having an ECG electrode input;

(4) a plurality of contact electrodes, adapted to be placed by an enabler upon a chest wall of said victim, said plurality of contact electrodes being adapted to be arranged at separate locations on said chest wall for the receipt of ECG signals from said victim and for application of said defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(5) a connecting cable having a plurality of electric wires for connecting each of said contact electrodes to at least one of (i) said ECG electrode input and (ii) said defibrillator output;

wherein (1) said ECG signals may be transmitted from selected ones of said contact electrodes via said ECG circuit to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional, (2) said first defibrillation control signal may be transmitted from said central station to said control input of said defibrillator circuit and (3), in response thereto, said defibrillator circuit may generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.

122. The apparatus defined in claim 121, further comprising a chest compression device, adapted to be rigidly mounted on said motor vehicle, for compressing the chest of the victim when such victim is in the supine position.

123. The apparatus defined in claim 121, wherein said first T/R device and said second T/R device include means for communicating through a satellite communication system.

124. The apparatus defined in claim 121, wherein said second T/R device is part of a motor vehicle communication system.

125. The apparatus defined in claim 122, wherein

(a) said central station further comprises a second input device, coupled to said first T/R device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a chest compression control signal for controlling the application of chest compression impulses to said victim;

and

(b) said chest compression device is further coupled to said second T/R device and further comprises control inputs for control of at least one of;

(i) the number of chest compressions per minute;

(ii) the depth of chest compression;

(iii) the velocity of chest compression;

(iv) the first derivative of the velocity of chest compression;

(v) the shape of the chest wall excursion vs. time curve during chest compression;

(vi) the maximum force delivered during chest compression;

(vii) the average force delivered during chest compression;

(viii) the shape of the force vs. time curve during chest compression

(ix) synchronization, if any, of chest compression with cardiac electrical activity;

(x) the surface area over which chest compression is applied;

(xi) the chest wall location to which compression is applied;

(xii) the linear extent of chest decompression;

(xiii) the velocity of chest decompression;

(xiv) the first derivative of the velocity of chest decompression;

(xv) the shape of the chest wall excursion vs. time curve during chest decompression;

(xvi) the maximum force delivered during chest decompression;

(xvii) the minimum force delivered during chest decompression;

(xviii) the average force delivered during chest decompression;

(xix) the shape of the force vs. time curve during chest decompression

(xx) synchronization, if any, of chest decompression with cardiac electrical activity; and

(xxi) pauses, if any, during chest compression and decompression;

whereby said medical professional controls the functioning of said chest compression device.

126. The apparatus defined in claim 122, further comprising means for providing lung ventilation to said victim.

127. The apparatus defined in claim 126, wherein

(a) said central station further comprises a ventilation input device, coupled to said first T/R device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a lung ventilation control signal for controlling means for providing lung ventilation to said victim;

and

(b) said means for providing lung ventilation is further coupled to said second T/R device and further comprises control inputs for control of at least one of;

(i) the number of chest ventilations per minute;

(ii) the volume of chest ventilation;

(iii) the velocity of gas flow during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(iv) the first derivative of the velocity of gas flow during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(v) the shape of the gas flow vs. time curve during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(vi) the maximum gas pressure during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(vii) the average gas pressure during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(viii) the shape of the pressure vs. time curve during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(ix) synchronization, if any, of the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation with cardiac electrical activity;

(x) synchronization, if any, of the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation with chest compression;

(xi) the amount of positive end expiratory pressure, if any;

(xii) the temperature of the inspired gas;

(xiii) the humidity of the inspired gas;

(xiv) the gaseous components of the inspired gas;

(xv) the composition and concentration of aerosolized medications, if any, in the inspired mixture;

(xvi) the average gas velocity of during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xvii) the shape of the gas flow vs. time curve during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xviii) the maximum pressure during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xix) the minimum pressure during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation.

(xx) the average pressure during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xxi) the shape of the pressure vs. time curve during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xxii) synchronization, if any, of the expiratory phase of chest ventilation with cardiac electrical activity;

(xxiii) synchronization, if any, of the expiratory phase of chest ventilation with chest compression;

(xxiv) pauses, if any, during chest ventilation;

(xxv) sighs, comprising one breath of increased volume, if any; and

(xxvi) dead space, if any.

whereby said medical professional controls the functioning of said chest ventilation device.

128. Apparatus for applying chest compression to a victim of cardiac arrest, said apparatus comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying cardiac information from a victim for evaluation by a medical professional;

(2) a first input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first control signal for controlling the application of chest compression to said victim; and

(3) a first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and said first input device, for electronic communication with chest compression apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) emergency chest compression apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for electronic communication with said first T/R device of said central station; and

(2) a chest compression device, coupled to said second T/R device, for repeatedly applying pressure to the chest of a victim in the supine position in response to the receipt of said first control signal.

129. The apparatus defined in claim 128, wherein said medical professional controls at least one of:

(i) the number of chest compressions per minute;

(ii) the depth of chest compression;

(iii) the velocity of chest compression;

(iv) the first derivative of the velocity of chest compression;

(v) the shape of the chest wall excursion vs. time curve during chest compression;

(vi) the maximum force delivered during chest compression;

(vii) the average force delivered during chest compression;

(viii) the shape of the force vs. time curve during chest compression

(ix) synchronization, if any, of chest compression with cardiac electrical activity;

(x) the surface area over which chest compression is applied;

(xi) the chest wall location to which compression is applied;

(xii) the linear extent of chest decompression;

(xiii) the velocity of chest decompression;

(xiv) the first derivative of the velocity of chest decompression;

(xv) the shape of the chest wall excursion vs. time curve during chest decompression;

(xvi) the maximum force delivered during chest decompression;

(xvii) the minimum force delivered during chest decompression;

(xviii) the average force delivered during chest decompression;

(xix) the shape of the force vs. time curve during chest decompression

(xx) synchronization, if any, of chest decompression with cardiac electrical activity; and

(xxi) pauses, if any, during chest compression and decompression;

whereby said medical professional controls the functioning of said chest compression device.

130. The apparatus defined in claim 128, further comprising means for providing lung ventilation to said victim.

131. The apparatus defined in claim 130, wherein

(a) said central station further comprises a ventilation input device, coupled to said first T/R device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a lung ventilation control signal for controlling means for providing lung ventilation to said victim;

and

(b) said means for providing lung ventilation is further coupled to said second T/R device and further comprises control inputs for control of at least one of;

(i) the number of chest ventilations per minute;

(ii) the volume of chest ventilation;

(iii) the velocity of gas flow during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(iv) the first derivative of the velocity of gas flow during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(v) the shape of the gas flow vs. time curve during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(vi) the maximum gas pressure during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(vii) the average gas pressure during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(viii) the shape of the pressure vs. time curve during the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(ix) synchronization, if any, of the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation with cardiac electrical activity;

(x) synchronization, if any, of the inspiratory phase of chest ventilation with chest compression;

(xi) the amount of positive end expiratory pressure, if any;

(xii) the temperature of the inspired gas;

(xiii) the humidity of the inspired gas;

(xiv) the gaseous components of the inspired gas;

(xv) the composition and concentration of aerosolized medications, if any, in the inspired mixture;

(xvi) the average gas velocity of during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xvii) the shape of the gas flow vs. time curve during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xviii) the maximum pressure during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xix) the minimum pressure during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation.

(xx) the average pressure during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xxi) the shape of the pressure vs. time curve during the expiratory phase of chest ventilation;

(xxii) synchronization, if any, of the expiratory phase of chest ventilation with cardiac electrical activity;

(xxiii) synchronization, if any, of the expiratory phase of chest ventilation with chest compression;

(xxiv) pauses, if any, during chest ventilation;

(xxv) sighs, comprising one breath of increased volume, if any; and

(xxvi) dead space, if any;

whereby said medical professional controls the functioning of said chest ventilation device.

132. The apparatus defined in claim 128, wherein:

(a) said central station further comprises;

(4) a second input device, coupled to said first T/R device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(b) said chest compression apparatus further comprises emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus comprising;

(3) a defibrillator circuit, having a control input coupled to said second T/R device, for generating a defibrillation pulse at a defibrillator circuit output in response to a defibrillation control signal received at said defibrillator circuit control input;

(4) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device, and having an ECG electrode input;

(5) a plurality of contact electrodes, adapted to be placed by an enabler upon a chest wall of said victim, said plurality of contact electrodes being adapted to be arranged at separate locations on said chest wall for the receipt of ECG signals from said victim; and

(6) a connecting cable having a plurality of electric wires for connecting each of said contact electrodes to said ECG electrode input

whereby (1) said ECG signals may be transmitted from selected ones of said contact electrodes via said ECG circuit to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional, and (2) said first defibrillation control signal may defibrillator circuit may generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.

133. A cardiac monitoring and resuscitation system which allows a victim of a medical emergency immediate access to a medical professional who can and will remotely monitor, diagnose and treat said victim at one of a plurality of remote sites, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying medical information from a victim for evaluation by said medical professional;

(2) a first input device, responsive to said medical professional, for producing a first defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(3) a first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and said first input device, for electronic communication with emergency cardiac monitoring and defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites; and

(b) emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus disposed at each of a plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising a portable unit including;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for electronic communication with said first T/R device of said central station;

(2) a defibrillator circuit, having a control input coupled to said second T/R device, for generating a defibrillation pulse at a defibrillator circuit output in response to a defibrillation control signal received at said defibrillator circuit control input;

(3) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device and having an ECG electrode input;

(4) a plurality of contact electrodes, attached to a chest wall of said victim, said plurality of contact electrodes being adapted to be arranged at separate locations on said chest wall for the receipt of ECG signals from said victim and for application of said defibrillation pulse to said victim; and

(5) a connecting cable having a plurality of electric wires for connecting each of said contact electrodes to at least one of (i) said ECG electrode input and (ii) said defibrillator output;

whereby (1) said ECG signals may be transmitted from selected ones of said contact electrodes via said ECG circuit to said central station for evaluation by said medical professional, (2) said first defibrillation control signal may be applied to the defibrillator circuit to generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.