Elevated CPR Apparatus and Method for Using the Same

A head-up CPR board and method for using the same. The head-up CPR board gradually elevates the chest of a patient to a 15-degree angle and the head of the patient to a 30-degree angle. While CPR is being performed on the patient, a wedge insert is slowly and incrementally inserted beneath an incline portion of the head-up CPR board. By slowly elevating the patient, the head-up CPR board facilitates venous drainage through gravity and promotes improved circulation of oxygenated blood, leading to better neurological outcomes when Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) occurs in cardiac arrest patients. By significantly enhancing cerebral brain blood flow, cerebral perfusion, and coronary perfusion, this can have a profound impact on the overall recovery and neurological well-being of patients. The head-up CPR also reduces pulmonary vascular resistance. This dual benefit contributes to better oxygenation and circulation, further improving patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Technology

The invention relates to the field of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) apparatuses and methods, specifically to apparatuses and methods for adjusting the relative incline of a patient for improved performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Description of the Prior Art

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR has long been used to reinstate or preserve blood flow through a patient until further medical treatment arrives or can be implemented. CPR principally comprises a series of chest compressions delivered by hand or by an automated CPR device followed by a volume of air being forced into the patient's airway through mouth to mouth resuscitation or through a one-way valve disposed in a mask that is placed on the patient. Compressing the patient's chest raises the patient's blood pressure so that organs such as the brain continue to receive blood flow while air forced into the patient's lungs forces them to respire for an extended amount of time over what would have occurred had no assistance been given. When CPR was first implemented as a treatment regimen, the initial proscribed method included laying the patient in a supine position during the entire procedure.

Lately however, research has indicated that after performing CPR on a patient laying in the supine position, increasing the angle of the patient's head while continuing CPR has dramatically increased their chances of resuscitation and recovery. More specifically, under the theory that tilting the patient's head upward produces gravity-dependent venous drainage from the brain, cerebral venous sinuses, and the paravertebral venous plexus, the cerebral blood flow and the cerebral perfusion pressure of the patient is in turn increased. In other words, the patient's intracranial pressure is decreased while distal blood flow is increased. Additionally, it is thought that by performing CPR on a patient in a “head-up” position, the amount of concussive force due to blood being thrust into and out of the brain is decreased while blood flow to the patient's lungs is more favorably redistributed

Previous head-up CPR devices are comprised of plastic, rubber, or stiff foam and are not collapsible or do not have a folded or compact form. Therefore, during transit to an accident site, these head-up CPR devices not only take up valuable storage space within an emergency vehicle, they are also more prone to damage during transit given their rigid construction. Additionally, because of their construction, previous head-up CPR devices can be prohibitively expensive, thus limiting its accessibility to patients. For example, some CPR devices comprise a means for mechanically raising a patient to a desired angle upon actuation of an electrically powered motor, however such devices are expensive, bulky, and difficult to clean.

What is needed therefore is an apparatus and method for quickly and efficiently supporting a patient in a head-up position for CPR treatment or other treatments requiring resuscitation of the patient while the patient is still present at the scene of the emergency. The apparatus should be easily transported and stored while also being inexpensive, disposable, and easy to use.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The current invention comprises a CPR board which gradually elevates the chest to a 15-degree angle and the head to a 30-degree angle. By slowly elevating the patient, the CPR board of the current invention facilitates venous drainage through gravity and promotes improved circulation of oxygenated blood, leading to better neurological outcomes when Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) occurs in cardiac arrest patients. By significantly enhancing cerebral brain blood flow, cerebral perfusion, and coronary perfusion, this can have a profound impact on the overall recovery and neurological well-being of patients. Additionally, the CPR board of the current invention not only improves venous drainage, but also reduces pulmonary vascular resistance. This dual benefit contributes to better oxygenation and circulation, further improving patient outcomes.

The current CPR board is specifically configured to be used with automated CPR machines or devices such as the Lucas® chest compression system manufactured by Stryker Medical®. This compatibility ensures seamless integration into cardiac arrest management protocols, providing optimal patient care and safety.

To ensure proper usage and maximize the benefits of the current CPR Board, a user performs manual CPR on a patient in the supine position for two minutes to prime the cardio cerebral circuit. Next, a backplate or other portion of the automated CPR device is placed in the current CPR board and then secured to it with hook and loop straps or other coupling means. The patient is gently laid onto the current CPR board and their head is immobilized using a plurality of provided head immobilizers. CPR is recommenced with the automated CPR device now in place while gradually raising the head with the wedge insert of the current invention. Over two minutes, the patient's head is slowly elevated, using a plurality of markings or notches disposed on the wedge insert as a guide. In one particular embodiment, the wedge insert is slid further under the current CPR board every 30 seconds until it is completely inserted.

The current invention provides a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) board for raising a patient to an inclined position. The CPR board includes a base, an adjustable incline coupled to the base, and an internal channel that is defined between the base and the incline. A removable wedge insert is also provided which is configured to be inserted into the internal channel, wherein the wedge insert is configured to rotate the incline relative to the base as it is being inserted into the internal channel.

In one embodiment, the incline of the CPR board comprises a first incline portion coupled to the base and a second incline portion coupled to the first incline portion, wherein the second incline portion is configured to rotate relative to the base as the wedge insert is inserted into the internal channel. In a related embodiment, an indentation is defined within a surface of the first incline portion, wherein the indentation is configured to accommodate at least a portion of an automated CPR device. In a further related embodiment, the second incline portion is configured to rotate about a joint that is disposed between the second incline portion and the first incline portion.

In another embodiment, the CPR board also comprises an indentation that is defined within a surface of the incline, wherein the indentation is configured to accommodate at least a portion of an automated CPR device.

In another embodiment, the CPR board also comprises at least one wall coupled to the base, wherein at least a portion of the incline rests upon the at least one wall when the CPR board is in an unactuated configuration.

In one embodiment, the internal channel of the CPR board is defined by a bottom surface of the incline, a top surface of the base, and at least one wall that is disposed between the incline and the base.

In another embodiment, the incline of the CPR board is configured to rotate about a joint that is disposed between the incline and the base.

In a further embodiment, the CPR board of claim also includes a plurality of adjustable head supports that are disposed on the incline. According to a related embodiment, each of the plurality of adjustable head supports comprises a planar portion which is configured to be selectively parallel relative to the incline when the head support is an expanded position and then bent along a seem when the head support is in an actuated position.

In one embodiment, the wedge insert of the CPR board comprises at least one longitudinal wall that comprises a tapered height.

In another embodiment, the wedge insert comprises a plurality of markings that are disposed thereon, wherein each one of the plurality of markings corresponds to a relative angle between the incline and the base when the wedge insert has been inserted into the internal channel up to that respective marking.

The current invention also provides a method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient by a user. The method includes laying a patient on an incline of a CPR board, performing CPR on the patient while the incline is disposed at a first position relative to a base of the CPR board, and then manually raising the angle of the incline relative to the base of the CPR board until the incline is disposed at a second position relative to the base of the CPR board. CPR may then be performed on the patient while the incline is disposed at the second position relative to the base of the CPR board.

In one embodiment, manually raising the angle of the incline relative to a base of the CPR board until the incline is disposed at a second position relative to the base of the CPR board specifically includes inserting a wedge insert into an internal channel that is defined within the CPR board and then sliding the wedge insert in a distal direction through the internal channel. Distal movement of the wedge insert increases surface contact between the wedge insert and the incline which then rotates the incline relative to the base. In a related embodiment, sliding the wedge insert in a distal direction through the internal channel specifically includes sliding the wedge insert in the distal direction until a selected one of a plurality of markings disposed on the wedge insert is adjacently disposed to at least one wall that defines the internal channel.

In another embodiment, laying the patient on the incline of the CPR board comprises laying the patient across a first incline portion and a second incline portion, while raising the angle of the incline relative to the base of the CPR board until the incline is disposed at the second position relative to the base of the CPR board in turn comprises raising the angle of the second incline portion relative to the base.

In another embodiment, performing CPR on the patient while the incline is disposed at either the first position relative to the base of the CPR board or the second position relative to the base of the CPR board each comprise performing CPR on the patient with an automated CPR device that is coupled to or disposed on the CPR board.

In another embodiment, laying the patient on the incline of the CPR board comprises laying the patient on an automated CPR device coupled to the CPR board.

In a further embodiment, the method also includes disposing a head and neck of the patient within a pair of adjustable head supports that are disposed on the incline.

In one embodiment, the method also includes performing CPR on the patient while the angle of the incline is being manually raised relative to the base of the CPR board.

The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The current invention is an adjustable and collapsible rigid head-up CPR board which is seen inFIGS.1A and1Band is generally denoted by reference numeral10. In certain embodiments, the head-up CPR board10comprises a base12coupled to an incline14, the base12comprising a first base portion12aand a second base portion12b,and the incline14comprising a first incline portion14aand a second incline portion14b.The first base portion12ais coupled to the first incline portion14atogether via a first joint22at a proximal edge of the first incline portion14a.The second incline portion14bis coupled to the opposing distal edge of the first incline portion14aat a second joint24. Disposed beneath the second joint24is a substantially vertical brace16which in some embodiments divides the base12between the first base portion12aand the second base portion12b.In some embodiments the brace16is coupled to both the base12and the incline14, however in certain other embodiments the brace16is removably fitted or disposed within a slot or indentation defined in either the base12or the incline14. The brace16is a removable component which may be selectively disposed within the head-up CPR board10, however in other embodiments the brace16is comprised of portions of either or both the first and second incline portions14a,14bwhich are folded or otherwise manipulated so as to form the brace16.

In certain embodiments the base12comprises a plurality of substantially vertical walls18which project perpendicularly upward relative to the substantially horizontal base12as best seen inFIG.1A. In some embodiments, the plurality of walls18are disposed parallel to each other so as to form a hollow internal channel or volume62there between which accommodates a removable wedge insert20as further detailed below with regard toFIGS.2and3. According to other embodiments, a track configured to accommodate the wedge insert20is defined in the upward facing surface of either portion of the base12within the internal channel62.

The surface elements of the head-up CPR board10, namely the base12, the incline14, the brace16, and the walls18are comprised of a substantially rigid yet lightweight material such as plastic, cardboard, aluminum, or wood, however other similar materials now known or later devised may be used without departing from the original spirit and scope of the invention. The first and second joints22,24in turn are preferably comprised of a flexible yet durable material such as nylon, leather, plastic composites, or other similar materials.

According to certain embodiments, the first incline portion14acomprises an indentation26defined a portion through a thickness thereof. The indentation26is sized or configured to accommodate or maintain a removable automated CPR device or at least a portion of the automated CPR device therein. For example, according to certain embodiments, the indentation26is configured to accommodate the backplate portion of an automated CPR device, for example the LUCAS® Chest Compression System manufactured by Stryker Corporation® or the like. The indentation26is seen inFIGS.1A and1Bas being substantially rectangular, however in other embodiments the indentation26may be any other shape so as to accommodate at least a portion of an automated CPR device. Disposed in a middle portion of the indentation26is a flap30that is rotatable relative to a surface of the indentation26along at least one edge of the flap30. When actuated, the flap30is bent downwards, creating an aperture28through the first incline portion14a.An edge of the flap30engages or otherwise interacts with the first base portion12awhen actuated or in the downward position, thereby providing additional structural support to the first incline portion14a.In certain embodiments, the first base portion12acomprises a slit, trench, or other means for accommodating or otherwise providing a seat for the edge of the flap30.

In a related embodiment, the indentation26is defined across the entire incline14, for example both the first incline portion14aand the second incline portion14b.Specifically, according to certain embodiments, the indentation26expands across both the first incline portion14aand the second incline portion14bso as to provide a single aperture or means for accommodating larger automated CPR devices, for example the CPR board of the AutoPulse® Resuscitation System manufactured by Zoll Medical®.

In certain embodiments, the second incline portion14bcomprises at least adjustable two head supports32. Each head support32comprises a substantially planar portion34that is coupled or integral with the surface of the second incline portion14balong one lateral edge and which remains free at an opposing lateral edge. In an expanded configuration, the planar portion34is substantially parallel with the second incline portion14b.When actuated, the planar portion34is selectively bent or folded along a seem36so as to form a substantially triangular shape in combination with the second incline portion14bas best seen inFIG.1A. The planar portion34comprises a tab, an extension, or other means for insertion into a slit, aperture, or other means for engagement that is defined within the surface of the second incline portion14b.To actuate each head support32, the planar portion34is brought from a substantially flat orientation to a substantially triangular orientation by being bent along the seem36. Being bent along the seem36brings the tab or other means for insertion of the planar portion34into proximity of the slit or other means for engagement of the second incline portion14bso that the tab can then be inserted therein, thereby locking or fixing the planar portion34into place and form the head support32. When the tab of the planar portion34is released from the second incline portion14b,the planar portion34is permitted to extend back into a substantially flat position that is parallel to the surface of the second incline portion14b.When both head supports32are in the actuated position as seen inFIG.1A, a passage or space is formed there between which is sufficient to accommodate and support the head and neck of a patient therein.

InFIGS.2and3, greater detail of the wedge insert20may be seen. In certain embodiments, the wedge insert20is a substantially trapezoidal shaped object comprising a top surface48, a bottom surface46, and at least one longitudinal wall38disposed there between. One lateral end of the at least one longitudinal wall38is disposed at a distal end40of the wedge insert40while the opposing lateral end of the at least one longitudinal wall38is disposed at a proximal end42of the wedge insert20. The proximal end42of the wedge insert20further comprises a handle44coupled thereto. The at least one longitudinal wall38comprises a tapered height, thereby disposing or orientating the top surface36at an angle relative to the substantially horizontal bottom surface46. More specifically, for example, the at least one longitudinal wall38comprises a first height adjacent to the distal end40which gradually increases along its length until reaching a maximum second height adjacent to the proximal end42. The top surface48according to this embodiment is set an angle relative to the bottom surface46, namely with a distal edge of the top surface48being closer to the bottom surface46than a proximal edge of the top surface48. The wedge insert20is comprised of the same materials as the base12, the incline14, and/or the walls18of the head-up CPR board10, however in certain other embodiments, the top surface48, bottom surface46, and the at least one longitudinal wall38of the wedge insert20are comprised of alternative materials which are known to provide a coefficient of friction which is not too high so as to prevent relative movement between the wedge insert20and the base12, but also simultaneously not too low so that the wedge insert20does not inadvertently slip relative to the base12. With complimentary surfaces, the wedge insert20can be slid into the head-up CPR board10at a consistent or measured speed while a patient is disposed on the head-up CPR board10as detailed further below.

In certain embodiments, adjustment of the second incline portion14brelative to the second base portion12bis done by insertion of the wedge insert20into the hollow internal channel62defined by the bottom surface of the second incline portion14b,the top surface of the second base portion12b,and the inside surface of the walls18. Specifically, as seen for example inFIG.2, the distal end40of the wedge insert20is inserted into the substantially rectangular opening defined by the second incline portion14b,the walls18, and the second base portion12b.Once inserted, the wedge insert20is pushed distally further into the internal channel62within the head-up CPR board10which brings the top surface48of the wedge insert20into closer surface contact with the bottom surface of the second incline portion14b.The second incline portion14b,which was initially in a substantially horizontal position on top of the walls18, begins to rotate about the second joint24in order to accommodate the incoming tapered shape of the insert wedge20. As seen inFIG.3in which the second incline portion14bhas been lifted upwards to show the insertion of the wedge insert20, the walls18help guide the insert wedge20and ensure that it is centrally placed underneath the second incline portion14bwithin the internal channel62. In certain embodiments, the wedge insert20is distally pushed until the distal end40makes contact with the brace16, thereby providing the second incline portion14bat a maximum inclined position as best seen inFIGS.1A and1B. According to certain embodiments, to lower the second incline portion14b,a user grips the handle44and pulls the wedge insert20back in the proximal direction, thereby lowering the second incline portion14buntil it rests horizontally on top of the walls18.

In one embodiment, to perform CPR using the head-up CPR board10, the head-up CPR board10is first placed on a substantially firm and level surface such as the floor or the top of a table or counter or other area near to where the patient is located. The head-up CPR board10is initially in a ready to use state, specifically with the second incline portion14bresting or disposed on top of the walls18in a substantially horizontal position and the wedge insert20removed. In certain embodiments, the head-up CPR board10is initially in a compacted or folded configuration as seen, for example inFIG.4, and then assembled by manipulating the incline14and the base12about the respective joints22,24.

According to certain embodiments, once the head-up CPR board10has been placed, a backplate54of an automated CPR device or the entirety of an automated CPR device56is coupled or inserted into the indentation26that is defined within the first incline portion14a,the second incline portion14b, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the automated CPR device54,56is removably coupled to the head-up CPR board10after being placed or inserted into the indentation26so as to prevent any relative movement between the head-up CPR board10and the automated CPR device54,56. For example, after being fitted into the indentation26, straps of hook and loop fabric are coupled to both a portion of the automated CPR device54,56and a portion of the head-up CPR board10adjacent to the indentation26. In a separate embodiment, the head-up CPR board10is prefabricated or preassembled with an automated CPR device54,56already inserted therein. Each planar portion34is then actuated as described above in order to form each head support32. Alternatively, according to certain other embodiments, each head support32is formed only after a patient has been laid down on the head-up CPR board10as discussed in further detail below.

According to certain embodiments, after CPR has been performed on a patient1lying supine on a flat or horizontal surface, the patient1is gently laid down on top of the head-up CPR board10with the wedge insert20initially removed so that the patient's neck and head are held at a substantially horizontal position relative to the base12, while the chest of the patient1is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal, for example at least 15° relative to the horizontal. The patient's head and neck rest between the head supports32while the patient's shoulders and back rest on a proximal end of the second incline portion14band the first incline portion14a,respectively. According to certain embodiments, the patient's back is disposed directly over the indentation26which contains the backplate54of the automated CPR device. In certain related embodiments, the patient1is entirely disposed on top of the automated CPR device56when it is inserted into or disposed over the entire surface of the incline14.

In one embodiment, the patient1is initially laid down on the head-up CPR board10without the wedge insert20as seen inFIG.5Aso that the user may perform traditional CPR on the patient1while the patient1is in the supine position, specifically with the second incline portion14bdisposed parallel to the second base portion12b.According to certain embodiments, the patient1is disposed on the head-up CPR board10so that their back is on top of a first automated CPR device54while their neck and head rests within the head supports32. Traditional CPR as used herein includes either performing an alternating series of chest compressions and mouth to mouth resuscitation, or use of the automated CPR device, or a combination thereof.

After performance of CPR has been started on the patient1, the user makes a determination of when to insert the wedge insert20and to what degree the wedge insert20should be used. For example, as seen inFIGS.5A-5C, after a predetermined amount of CPR cycles have been performed, or if visual examination of the patient1warrants it, the user aligns and then inserts the wedge insert20into the opening of the internal channel62defined beneath the second incline portion14band between the walls18. As seen inFIG.5B, for example, the user pushes or slides the wedge insert20in the distal direction denoted by arrow50, the portion of the wedge insert20being inserted between the walls18appearing in broken outline withinFIGS.5B and5C. Due to the tapered height of the wedge insert20, distal movement of the wedge insert20in turn begins to rotate the second incline portion14band the patient1disposed thereon about the second joint24in the direction denoted by arrow52which effectively and efficiently raises the patient1from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position. While the head and neck of the patient1are being slowly rotated upward, the torso of the patient1remains at a static angle on the first incline portion14acomprising the first automated CPR device54.

According to certain embodiments, the user continues to push the wedge insert20in the distal direction in predetermined increments or stages until the head and neck of the patient1have achieved, for example, a 30-degree angle relative to the surface that the head-up CPR board10is disposed upon.

For example, after performing CPR on the patient1for 30 seconds, the user slides the wedge insert20further in the distal direction indicated by arrow50which increases the relative angle between the second incline portion14band the second base portion12bby, for example, five degrees. The user continues to perform CPR on the patient1for an additional 30 seconds before again sliding the wedge insert20in the direction of arrow50which further rotates the second incline portion14bin the direction shown by arrow52by an additional five degrees as seen inFIG.5C. This process continues to be repeated until a desired angle has been achieved or until the wedge insert20has been completely slid in the distal direction and inserted beneath the second incline portion14b.According to certain embodiments, CPR is continually being performed on the patient1, either by the first automated CPR device54or manually by the user, as the user is sliding the wedge insert20and adjusting the relative position of the second incline portion14b.

In a related embodiment where the incline14of the head-up CPR board10is a single or continuous surface that is configured to only rotate about the first joint22and comprises an indentation defined across its entire upward facing surface that is configured to accommodate an entire automated CPR device56therein, the entire incline14will rotate about the first joint22as the wedge insert20is moved distally by the user as seen inFIGS.6A-6C.

Specifically, the patient1is initially laid down on the head-up CPR board10with the wedge insert20initiated at a “start” position as seen inFIG.6Aso that the user may perform traditional CPR on the patient1while the patient1is in the supine position, specifically with at least a portion of the incline14being disposed parallel to the base12. According to certain embodiments, the patient1is disposed on the head-up CPR board10so that both their torso and their head and neck regions are disposed on top of the second automated CPR device56, while their neck and head also rest within or between the head supports32.

After performance of CPR has been started on the patient1, the user makes a determination of when to insert the wedge insert20and to what degree the wedge insert20should be used. For example, as seen inFIGS.6A-6C, after a predetermined amount of CPR cycles have been performed, or if visual examination of the patient1warrants it, the user aligns and then inserts the wedge insert20into the opening of the internal channel62defined beneath the incline14and between the walls18. As seen inFIG.6B, for example, the user pushes or slides the wedge insert20in the distal direction denoted by arrow50, the portion of the wedge insert20being inserted between the walls18appearing in broken outline withinFIGS.6B and6C. Due to the tapered height of the wedge insert20, distal movement of the wedge insert20in turn begins to rotate the incline14about the first joint2, and the patient1disposed thereon, in the direction denoted by arrow52which effectively and efficiently raises the patient from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position. Unlike previous embodiments, both the head and neck of the patient1as well as the torso of the patient1are slowly rotated upward along with the incline14comprising the second automated CPR device56.

According to certain embodiments, the user continues to push the wedge insert20in the distal direction in predetermined increments or stages until the torso and the head and neck of the patient1have achieved, for example, a 30-degree angle relative to the surface that the head-up CPR board10is disposed upon. For example, after performing CPR on the patient1for 30 seconds, the user slides the wedge insert20further in the distal direction indicated by arrow50which increases the relative angle between the incline14and the base12, for example, five degrees. The user continues to perform CPR on the patient1for an additional 30 seconds before again sliding the wedge insert20in the direction of arrow50which further rotates the incline14in the direction shown by arrow52by an additional five degrees as seen inFIG.6C. This process continues to be repeated until a desired angle has been achieved or until the wedge insert20has been completely slid in the distal direction and inserted beneath the incline14. According to certain embodiments, CPR is continually being performed on the patient1, either by the second automated CPR device56or manually by the user, as the user is sliding the wedge insert20and adjusting the relative position of the incline14.

Regardless if a backplate54for an automated CPR device or if an entire automated CPR device56is being used, because the relative angle of the patient1is dependent upon how far the wedge insert20has been distally moved, the user may continually adjust the relative angle of the patient1by sliding the wedge insert20either distally or proximally by a corresponding amount until a desired position is achieved. For example, if the user slides the wedge insert20too far, or if it has been determined that other angles other than 30° relative to the horizontal are the optimum angle for treating the patient1, the user may pull the wedge insert20back in the proximal direction until the correct angle is achieved.

In certain embodiments, the top surface48, the at least one longitudinal wall38of the wedge insert20, the surfaces of the walls18, and/or the upward facing surface of second base portion12b,for example, comprise a plurality of markings which indicate to the user the current relative angle of the incline14to the base12when the wedge insert20has been inserted into the internal channel62. For example, as seen inFIG.5A, the wedge insert20comprises a plurality of markings60on its longitudinal wall38, each one of the plurality of markings60indicating a different relative degree of incline when the wedge insert20has been inserted into the interior of the head-up CPR board10up to that specific marking60. According to one particular embodiment, when the wedge insert20has been inserted through the internal channel62so that a first marking “A” contacts or is disposed adjacent to the vertical edge of the walls18, the user will know that the second incline portion14bhas reached a first corresponding relative angle between the second incline portion14band the base12, for example 5° from the horizontal. When the wedge insert20has been inserted through the internal channel62so that a second marking “B” contacts or is disposed adjacent to the vertical edge of the walls18, the user will know that the second incline portion14bhas reached a second corresponding relative angle between the second incline portion14band the base12, for example 10° from the horizontal. The user repeats this process for as long as necessary or until a final desired relative angle between the incline14and the base12has been achieved. The plurality of markings60are seen inFIG.5Aas being alpha-numeric, however in certain embodiments, the plurality of markings60comprise different colors, images, or other appropriate visual indicators. In certain other embodiments, the plurality of markings60are a series of protrusions, bumps, notches, or other appropriate physical features which are configured to give the user tactile or haptic feedback as the head-up CPR board10is in use. In this manner and according to certain embodiments, the user may dispose the patient any angle ranging from 0° when the wedge insert20is not present, to a maximum angle, for example wherein the chest of the patient1is disposed at a 15° relative to the horizontal and wherein the head of the patient1is disposed at a 30° relative to the horizontal, when the wedge insert20has been slid to a maximum distal distance.

After performing CPR on the patient1, the wedge insert20is removed from the interior of the head-up CPR board10by gripping the handle44and pulling the wedge insert20in the proximal direction which slowly rotates the second incline portion14bback down into a substantially horizontal position. According to certain embodiments, after removing the wedge insert20, the automated CPR device54,56is deactivated or turned off and the patient1is lifted off of the incline14. The backplate54of the automated CPR device or the entirety of the automated CPR device56disposed within the indentation26is then decoupled from the head-up CPR board10and removed from the indentation26. The head-up CPR board10can be reused for another patient, however because the head-up CPR board10is comprised of durable, yet common materials, the user has the option of simply disposing of the head-up CPR board10after use.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following embodiments and its various embodiments.