CLIENT: Deca-Medics (2008)

PROJECT: LifeBelt CPR Device

Research has shown that people get tired quickly while performing CPR.  It was found that good chest compressions are usually given only during the first minute of resuscitation.  As the rescuer tires, the quality of the CPR drops significantly.  In fact, after about 5 minutes the compressions are almost entirely ineffective.  Need to give CPR to someone who has a large frame?  You’ll need to push really hard to get good chest motion-- over 100 pounds!
Priority Designs has helped Deca-Medics develop a device that overcomes these problems.  The device takes advantage of a fundamental principal from biomechanics that relates muscle fatigue to the amount of force exerted.  That is, if a person uses a small fraction of their total strength, then they can increase their endurance many times over.  The Deca-Medics device reduces the amount of exertion by using a lever system.  This makes CPR easier and therefore increases the amount of time CPR can be given.
The design also has the following benefits:

• Quick setup- 15 seconds to CPR using the quick attach belt system.
• Visual and audio metronome- Prompts rescuers to provide compressions at the 100 stroke/minute cadence stipulated by the American Heart Association.
• Compact lightweight design- Easily stores in a small shoulder bag for transport.
• Easy to clean- Components that contact the patient are disposable.
• Non-verbal instructions, including icons and other graphics.

During development of the LifeBelt, Priority Designs and Deca-Medics interviewed fire station personnel and other first responders.  We also researched body measurements for sizing the back belt and determining correct rescuer ergonomics.  We fabricated aesthetic and engineering prototypes for marketing purposes, laboratory testing, and functional evaluation.

The device was designed, engineered, and prototyped by Priority Designs.  Assistance was provided by the Ohio State University Institute for Ergonomics.

Our contributions to this project included research, strategy, 2-D and 3-D design development, 3D CAD modeling & engineering and prototyping.

>> See another example of medical equipment we've designed and engineered.