Emergency management system

• US 9,082,156 B2
• Filed: 08/10/2006
• Issued: 07/14/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Inventors: Matos, Jeffrey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Porter, Jr., Allen
• Application Number:
  US11/502,484
• Publication Number:
  US 20070043585A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,260 Days
• Field of Search: 607 2- 5, 607/9, 607/10, 607/11, 607/30, 607/31, 607/32, 607/59, 600/509
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 cardiac monitoring and resuscitation system which allows a victim of a medical emergency, who is located at one of a plurality of remote sites, immediate access to a medical professional located at a central station who can remotely diagnose and treat said victim, said system comprising, in combination:

(a) a central station comprising;

(1) a display device for displaying representations of (A) medical alert information from at least one sensor concerning a likelihood of abnormality of a victim, and (B) victim electrocardiogram signal information from applied contact electrodes for evaluation by said medical professional;

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

(3) a first transmuting/receiving (T/R) device, coupled to said display device and said 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 said plurality of remote sites, each said apparatus comprising a portable unit including;

(1) a second transmitting/receiving (T/R) de vice 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 said defibrillation control signal 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;

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

(6) at least one sensor having a sensor output, for providing medical alert information relating to said victim for analysis by data analysis circuitry to determine whether to alert said medical professional; and

(7) to analysis circuitry coupled to the output of said at least one sensor for receiving said medical alert information, said data analysis circuitry having circuit output, coupled to said second T/R device, for producing at least one medical alert signal representing different degrees of likelihood that the victim may be in need of treatment for a medical emergency;

wherein

(1) said data analysis circuitry analyzes the output of said at least one sensor to determine one of at least four states of the victim, including;

(A) an apparently normal state A representing a first degree of likelihood of abnormality;

(B) a state B representing a second degree of likelihood of abnormality, which is greater than the first degree of likelihood of abnormality, but less than a third degree of likelihood of abnormality;

(C) a state C representing said third degree of likelihood of abnormality, which is greater than the second degree of likelihood of abnormality, but less than a fourth degree of likelihood of abnormality; and

(D) a state D representing a fourth, highest degree likelihood of abnormality, which is greater than the third degree of likelihood of abnormality;

(2) said data analysis circuitry causes said second T/R device to transmit a medical alert signal to said central station upon determination of at least one of said states B, C and D; and

(3) in response to receipt said medical alert signal, said display device is caused to display an indication of the respective second, third and fourth degree of likelihood of abnormality of the victim

whereby (1) based on said analysis of said at least one sensor output, said medical alert signal may be transmitted to said central station, indicating the degree likelihood that the victim may be in need of treatment for a medical emergency;

(2) said ECG signals from said contact electrodes 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 (3) said defibrillation control signal may be applied to the defibrillator circuit to generate said defibrillation pulse fair application to at least one of said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.

2. The monitoring system defined claim 1, wherein said central station further comprises a database, including (a) a computer memory in which stored a first list of contact information of possibly available enablers and (b) a processor, coupled to said computer memory and to said display device, for providing the information of said first list to said medical professional;

wherein said first list is displayed by said display device in response to the inputting to said input device a first list command by said medical professional;

whereby

(1) said medical professional may contact at least one enabler and dispatch said at least one enabler to the victim, in the event of at least one of a) a medical alert signal indicating a possibility et cardiac arrest, and b) uncertainty about interpretation of said medical alert signal;

(2) 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.

3. The monitoring system defined in claim 1, wherein said central station further comprises a database, including (a) a computer memory in which are stored a second list of contact information of possibly available emergency medical personnel, and (b) a processor, coupled to said computer memory and to said display device, for providing the information of said second list to said medical professional;

wherein said second list is displayed by said display device in response to the inputting to said input device of a second list command by said medical professional;

whereby said medical professional may contact said personnel, in the event of at least one of a) a medical alert signal indicating a possibility of cardiac arrest b) uncertainty about interpretation of said medical alert signal.

4. The monitoring system defined in claim 1, wherein

(1) said emergency cardiac monitoring and external defibrillation apparatus comprises at least two sensors, each having a respective sensor output coupled to said data analysis circuitry, for providing said medical alert information;

(2) said input device is further operative to input at least one sensor control responsive to said medical professional, for controlling a selection of at least one sensor output for determination by said data analysis circuitry whether to alert said medical professional;

(3) said at least one sensor control signal is transmitted to the data analysis circuitry; and

(4) in response thereto, said data analysis circuitry operative to select at least one sensor output for said determination;

thereby

to allow the medical professional to alter the source of sensor data the generation of future medical alert signals.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said data analysis circuitry is coupled to a plurality of said contact electrodes for sensing cardiac electrical activity.

6. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said data analysis circuitry is coupled to a plurality of said contact electrodes for sensing transthoracic chest wall impedance.

7. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a sensor for sensing respiration.

8. The apparatus defined claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer for sensing sudden deceleration.

9. The apparatus defined claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a first sound transducer for sensing audible cardiac activity.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a second sound transducer for sensing audible sounds of distress.

11. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a video camera.

12. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a first orientation sensor for sensing a change in body attitude of the victim.

13. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a second orientation sensor for sensing that the victim is in a supine position.

14. The app define in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a heart rate sensor for sensing heart rate.

15. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said medical alert signals produced by said data analysis circuitry indicates a value of said sensor output.

16. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said medical alert signals produced by said data analysis circuitry indicates said likelihood that the victim may be in need of treatment.

17. A cardiac monitoring and resuscitation system which allows a victim of a medical emergency, who is located at one of a plurality of remote sites, immediate access to a medical professional (MP) located at a central station who can remotely diagnose and treat said victim, 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 MP;

(2) an input device, responsive we said MP, for producing (a) a defibrillation control signal for controlling the application of a defibrillation pulse to said victim, and (b) at least one sensor selection signal, for selecting at least one sensor for alerting said central station; 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 stations;

for

transmitting (i) a medical alert signal, and (ii) ECG signals; and

receiving (i) said defibrillation control signal, and (ii) at least one sensor selection signal;

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

(3) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit having as EC circuit output, coupled to sa 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 under guidance of said MP, 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;

(6) a plurality of sensors each having a respective sensor output, for providing medical alert information relating to said victim for analysis by data analysis circuitry to determine whether to alert said MP; and

(7) data analysis circuitry, coupled to each sensor output for receiving said medical alert information, said data analysis circuitry having a circuit output coupled to said second T/R device, for (a) receiving said at least one sensor selection signal, and (b) causing the transmission of a medical alert signal to said first T/R device;

wherein said data analysis circuitry is responsive to said at least one sensor selection signal to select at least one sensor output for determination by said data analysis circuitry whether to alert said MP;

wherein said data analysis circuitry analyzes the output of at least one sensor as selected by said at least one sensor selection signal, to determine whether to alert said MP that an abnormal state of the victim exists; and

wherein upon the detection of said abnormal state, said data analysis circuitry causes the second T/R device to

initiate communication with the central station by transmitting said medical alert signal to the central station;

whereby said sensor selection signal represents a choice by said MP of at least one particular sensor output for analysis by said data analysis circuitry for determining whether to alert said MP;

and whereby

(1) said MP selects at least one sensor from among said plurality of sensors for said analysis for initiating future communication with said central station (2) at times after said selection said data analysis circuitry analyzes the sensor output of the at least one selected sensor to determine whether to notify said MP;

(3) following said selection, in response to said analysis, said data analysis circuitry may produce said medical alert signal at said data analysis circuitry output to notify said MP of said abnormal state;

(4) following transmission of said medical alert signal, 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 MP, and (5) said defibrillation control signal may be applied to the defibrillator circuit which may generate said defibrillation pulse for application to at least one of a said contact electrodes for resuscitation of said victim.

18. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein said data analysis circuitry is coupled to a plurality of said contact electrodes for sensing cardiac electrical activity.

19. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises contact electrodes for sensing transthoracic chest wall impedance.

20. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a sensor for sensing respiration.

21. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises an accelerometer for sensing sudden deceleration.

22. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a first sound transducer for sensing audible cardiac activity.

23. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a second sound transducer for sensing audible sounds of distress.

24. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a video camera.

25. The apparatus defined claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a first orientation sensor for sensing a change in body attitude of the victim.

26. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a second orientation sensor for sensing that the victim is in a supine position.

27. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a heart rate sensor for sensing heart rate.

28. The cardiac monitoring and resuscitation system of claim 17, wherein

(1) said data analysis circuitry is further operative to produce an additional medical alert signal representing a likelihood that the victim may be in need of treatment for a medical emergency;

(2) said data analysis circuitry analyzes said at least one sensor output and causes said second T/R device to transmit said additional medical alert signal to said medical professional in the even of an analysis indicative of at least a possible medical emergency; and

(3) in response thereto, said display device displays a representation of the information contained in said additional medical alert signal;

whereby said additional medical alert signal is automatically transmitted to said medical professional indicating that the victim may be in need of treatment for a medical emergency.

29. The apparatus defines in claim 28, wherein said data analysis circuitry is operative to determine whether the output of said at least one selected sensor represents a value of a parameter of the victim state selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a definitely normal value;

(b) a definitely abnormal value; and

(c) a value which is not definitely normal and which is not definitely abnormal.

30. The apparatus defined in claim 29, wherein said data analysis circuitry produces said medical alert signal when the output of said at least one selected sensor represents a value of said parameter of the victim state indicating a possible medical emergency whenever said parameter is a definitely abnormal value.

32. The apparatus defined in claim 28, wherein said medical alert signal produced by said data analysis circuitry indicates said likelihood that the victim may be in need of treatment.

33. The apparatus defined in claim 28, wherein said medical alert signal produced by said data analysis circuitry indicates one of a plurality of degrees of said likelihood that the victim may be in need of treatment.

34. The apparatus defined in claim 17, wherein said data analysis circuitry is further operative to cause said second T/R device to transmit said alert information to said first T/R device;

and wherein said display device is further operative to display said alert information.

31. The apparatus defined in 29, wherein said data analysis circuitry produces said medical alert signal when the output of said at least one selected sensor represents a value of said parameter of the victim state indicating a possible emergency whenever said parameter is neither a definitely normal nor a definitely abnormal value.

35. A person monitoring system which allows a monitoring medical professional to remotely monitor a medical problem of the 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 a monitoring medical professional; and

(2) a first receiving device, coupled said display device, for electronic communication with 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 second transmitting device for electronic communication with said first receiving device of said central station;

(2) at least one sensor having a sensor output, for generating person information indicating that said person may be in need of medical treatment;

(3) data analysis circuitry, coupled to each of (i) said sensor output for receiving said person information and (ii) said second transmitting device, for producing at least one medical alert signal represent a degree of likelihood that said person may be in need of medical treatment, said data analysis circuitry being operative to analyze the output of said at least one sensor to determine one of four states of the victim;

(A) an apparently normal state A representing a first degree of likelihood of abnormality;

(B) a state B representing at second degree of likelihood of abnormality, which is greater than the first degree of likelihood of abnormality, but less than a third degree of likelihood of abnormality;

(C) a to C representing said third degree of likelihood of abnormality, which is greater than the second degree of likelihood of abnormality, but less than a fourth degree of likelihood of abnormality; and

(D) a state D representing a fourth, highest degree of likelihood of abnormality, which is greater than the third degree of likelihood of abnormality;

and wherein

(1) said data analysis circuitry causes said second transmitting device to transmit a medical alert signal to said central station upon determination of at least one of said states B, C and D;

(2) in response to receipt of said medical alert signal, said display device is caused to display an indication of the respective second, third and fourth degree of likelihood of abnormality of the victim;

whereby said monitoring device may automatically produce a medical alert signal to notify said monitoring medical professional of a degree of likelihood that a victim is in need of medical attention.

36. The person monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein said device for obtaining personal information is configured to be implanted in the person.

37. The person monitoring defined in claim 35, wherein

(A) said central station further comprises:

an input device, responsive to said monitoring medical professional; and

a first transmitting device, coupled to said input device; and

(B) said medical monitoring apparatus further comprises a second receiving device for communicating with said first transmitting device;

(C) said input device is further operative to generate an alarm signal in response to an alarm input from the monitoring medical professional;

(D) said first transmitting op operative to transmit said alarm signal to said second receiving device of said medical monitoring apparatus; and

(E) said medical monitoring apparatus further comprises an alarm device, coupled to said second receiving device, responsive to said alarm signal for sounding an alarm.

38. The patient monitoring system defined in claim 37, wherein said input device is operative to input an audio message from the monitoring medical professional, for transmission to said medical monitoring apparatus at said remote station.

39. The apparatus defined in claim 35, wherein said data analysis circuitry is operative to determine a value of a parameter representing the victim state.

40. The apparatus defined in claim 39, wherein said medical alert signal produced by said data analysis circuitry indicated the value of said parameter.

41. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises ECG electrodes for sensing cardiac electrical activity.

42. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises contact electrodes for sensing transthoracic impedance.

43. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a sensor for sensing respiration.

44. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises an accelerometer for sensing sudden deceleration.

45. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a first sound transducer for sensing audible cardiac activity.

46. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a second sound transducer for sensing audible sounds of distress.

47. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a video camera.

48. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a first orientation sensor for sensing a change in body attitude of the victim.

49. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a second sound transducer for sensing that the victim is in a supine position.

50. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plurality of sensors comprises a heart rate sensor for sensing heart rate.

51. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein said device for obtaining person information is configured to be situated external to said person.

52. The monitoring system defined in claim 35, wherein

(a) said central station further comprises:

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

(4) a first transmitting device, coupled to said input device for electronic communication with said medical monitoring apparatus at least one of said remote sites;

(b) said medical monitoring apparatus situated at at least one of said remote sites further comprises;

(4) a second receiving device for communicating with said first transmitting device, for receiving said defibrillation control signal;

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

(6) an electrocardiogram (ECG) circuit, having an ECG circuit output, coupled to said second transmitting device for transmitting ECG signals to said monitoring medical professional, and having an ECG electrode input;

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

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

wherein

(a) said second transmitting device is further operative to generate a signal representing said ECG circuit output, and to transmit said signal to said first receiving device; and

(b) said display device is further operative display information represented by said signal representing said ECG output;

whereby said monitoring medical professional (a) is notified of a situation which may require application of a defibrillation pulse to said person; and

(b) can cause the input device to produce a defibrillation control signal which results in the application of said defibrillation pulse to said person.