The first compression device enabling double sequential defibrillation
concept
LifeLine is a revolutionary automated CPR system designed for Laerdal Medical that integrates defibrillation electrodes directly into the compression piston. This innovation enables double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) for the first time in pre-hospital care, significantly improving survival rates in refractory cardiac arrest.
info
Umeå Institute of Design
Laerdal Medical
Pierre Brand
Nicolò Vincenzi
2025
10 weeks
The Challenge
Research and Development
We worked in collaboration with Laerdal Medical, a Norwegian company that is a global leader in resuscitation devices and training. Throughout the research phase, we conducted extensive field work and training sessions with paramedics in Umeå, Sweden to understand real-world workflows and challenges.
Extreme scenario training revealed how stress, noise, darkness, and obstacles impact CPR performance.
The Chain of Survival
Bystander
Recognition
Bystander
Early CPR
1st Responders
Defibrillation
Paramedics
Advanced Care
Hospital
Recovery
Every minute without intervention reduces survival by 10%
Annual deaths in America
Survival rate (OHCA)
Survival loss per minute
Paramedics deliver 21% of first shocks
Yet current technology prevents them from delivering the most effective treatment.
3 seconds is all it takes
Pausing CPR causes perfusion pressure to drop instantly. Recovery takes up to 20 seconds—time patients don't have.
The Opportunity
Double sequential defibrillation improves survival
The DOSE-VF trial showed that delivering two shocks in sequence significantly improves outcomes for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. But no product existed to make this possible in pre-hospital care.
Standard
Double sequential
Anterior-posterior
Why it doesn't exist yet
Current technology creates barriers
Sternum blocked
Compression machines obstruct electrode access
Patient repositioning
Accessing the back interrupts compressions
Cable complexity
Multiple devices create entanglement
Unifying two critical functions
By integrating the sternum electrode directly into the compression piston, LifeLine eliminates the workflow conflicts that have prevented double sequential defibrillation adoption. One device now delivers both automated compressions and defibrillation—freeing paramedics to focus on patient care.
Compression Machine
Robust, lightweight, and precisely controlled
The compression arms are controlled and unlocked via two sliders on each arm, ensuring secure positioning and safe operation. The construction balances robust performance with lightweight portability.
Defibrillator connectivity
Connectors on the side of the arm allow the defibrillator to plug directly into the compression device, synchronizing shock delivery with compression pauses for maximum effectiveness.
Integrated Pad System
Defibrillation pads ready for instant deployment
The electrode pads are folded and stored in custom-designed canisters integrated into the arms and back of the device. This makes them ready for deployment in seconds—and replacing used pads is equally effortless.
Defibrillator
Synchronized for double sequential defibrillation
The defibrillator connects with the compression machine to optimize the resuscitation process. It's the first defibrillator designed specifically to enable double sequential defibrillation in pre-hospital settings—coordinating dual shocks through both the integrated electrode and traditional pads.
Prototype Development
prototype and testing
Early-stage testing of the compression machine prototype validated with paramedics and healthcare professionals in Umeå, Sweden to refine the design and ensure optimal performance.
Materials & Finishes
Designed for durability and hygiene
Every surface is optimized for rapid cleaning between uses. High-visibility lime accents aid quick identification of controls and pull tabs in high-stress situations.
Modular design for thorough cleaning
Parts of the stretcher can be disassembled for ease of cleaning, ensuring thorough decontamination between uses and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene in emergency medical care.