Chest compression device

A method of performing chest compression on a patient comprising the steps:

• providing a device for performing mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation comprising:
• a backboard;
• a piston support frame having two legs secured to the backboard, the two legs supporting a compression unit apposing the backboard;
• a reversible electromotor enclosed within the compression unit;
• a control unit operably connected to the reversible electromotor, the control unit including a microprocessor to control the electromotor and the piston;
• a display operably connected to the control unit to enable activation and deactivation of chest compressions;
• a piston having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the piston operably coupled to the reversible electromotor, the distal end of the piston extending from and withdrawing into the housing, the chest compression unit secured to the mounting structure to engage a patient and perform chest compressions;
• two leaf springs, each leaf spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each leaf spring operably secured to the piston, the second end of each leaf spring operably secured to one of the two legs, such that extension of the piston causes each leaf spring to form an arch;
• orienting the patient on the backboard;
• securing the piston support frame to the backboard with the chest compression unit apposing the patient's sternum;
• and
• initiating chest compressions through the display.