Lockable head up cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device

An elevation device used in the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and after resuscitation, comprising:

• a base configured to be positioned on a surface, the surface being at least substantially aligned with a horizontal plane, the base defining a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;
• an upper support operably coupled to the base, wherein the upper support is configured to move between a storage position and an elevated position, wherein in the elevated position the upper supported is inclined about the lateral axis at an angle relative to the base to elevate an individual's upper back, shoulders such that a central portion of the brain is positioned above the heart and shoulders at all angular positions of the upper support;
• a support arm operably coupled with the upper support about the lateral axis or an additional axis that is parallel to the lateral axis such that the support arm is independently positionable along a curved path at different angular locations about the lateral axis or the additional axis relative to the upper support, wherein the support arm is configured to be rigidly locked in a given position about the lateral axis or the additional axis relative to the upper support;
• and
• a chest compression device coupled with the support arm, the chest compression device being configured to compress the chest at an angle generally orthogonal to the individual's sternum;
• wherein the elevation device is configured such that while the upper support is being moved to the elevated position, the chest compression device remains orthogonal to the individual's sternum.

A method of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), comprising:

• providing an elevation device comprising:
• a base defining a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;
• an upper support operably coupled to the base, wherein the upper support is configured to support a central portion of the brain at a position that is above the heart and shoulders at all angular positions of the upper support relative to the base;
• a support arm coupled with the upper support about the lateral axis or an additional axis that is parallel to the lateral axis;
• and
• a chest compression device coupled with the support arm, the chest compression device being configured to compress the chest;
• positioning the individual on the elevation device;
• moving the support arm along a curved path about the lateral axis or the additional axis relative to the upper support to position the chest compression device over the individual's sternum;
• locking the support arm at a fixed angle about the lateral axis or the additional axis relative to the upper support such that the upper support and the support arm are movable about the lateral axis as a single unit relative to the base while the support arm maintains the angle relative to the upper support
• elevating the upper support about the lateral axis to raise the individual's upper torso and head such that the support arm maintains a fixed angle relative to the upper support while maintaining the chest compression device at an angle that is orthogonal to the individual's sternum;
• and
• performing one or more of CPR or intrathoracic pressure regulation while elevating the heart and the head.