Graphic Displays to Support Treatment of Medical Emergencies

We plan to develop and refine a device (Basic Life Support System, BLSS) and a just-in-time training procedure for a flight crewmember who must administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In Phase I, we developed a computerized graphical display for CPR procedures. Volunteers using the display removed an airway obstruction and stabilized the patient in 10.9 minutes compared to 13.8 minutes for those who used the current NASA paper protocol. The number of errors was reduced by 42%. These differences significantly increase the survival rates for the patient. The goal of Phase II is to develop and refine the BLSS with an animated graphical display of instructions so that an individual without medical training can effectively resuscitate a patient. The BLSS will include an automatic external defibrillator, a CPR mask, and an oxygen supply. Sensors will provide feedback to inform the user of potential problems. The treatment protocol will automatically guide the user through the CPR algorithm and provide just-in-time training. Phase II studies will assess whether novice responders benefit from using the BLSS and evaluate if novices using the system will be as effective at resuscitating a patient, as are responders with basic life support and AED training.