Patent ID: 7410470

Claim:
A system for performing chest compressions on a patient, said system comprising: a compression belt cartridge comprising: a belt, said belt having a width corresponding to the superior-inferior height of the patient when the belt is disposed around the patient, said belt also having a length corresponding to the medial-lateral circumference of the patient when the belt is disposed around the patient; said belt having pull straps, a first load distribution section attached to a first end of the pull straps, and a second load distribution section attached to a second end of the pull straps; wherein the first load distribution section and the second load distribution are wider than the pull straps and said belt also having a first transition section attached to the first load distribution section and to the pull straps, and a second transition section attached to the second load distribution section and to the pull straps, wherein the second transition section is opposite the first transition section; a first reinforcing plate attached to the first transition section and a second reinforcing plate attached to the second transition section; and a means for tightening the belt, wherein the pull straps are attachable to the means for tightening the belt.