The Future of Emergency Cardiac Care
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 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.
DSED uses an additional pair of pads to deliver a sequential shock, significantly increasing the likelihood of reaching the heart
higher survival withDSED vs standard in
heart rhythm
Source: DOSE VF Trial (2022)
Annual deaths in America
Survival rate (OHCA)
Survival loss per minute
Why it doesn't exist yet
Current technology creates barriers
Paramedics deliver 21% of first shocks — yet current technology prevents them from delivering the most effective treatment.
"We are aware of the latest DSED evidence, but accessing the back and chest with current equipment is practically impossible without critical delays that compromise the patient's outcome."
— Paramedic Umeå, Sweden
Sternum blocked
Compression machines obstruct electrode access
Patient repositioning
Accessing the back interrupts compressions
Cable complexity
Multiple devices create entanglement
Unifying DSED and automated compression machine
This unification streamlines resuscitation by consolidating components, enhancing portability, and accelerating deployment. By organizing cable management, LifeLine eliminates environmental clutter for the paramedic.
Crucially, the system facilitates immediate access to the patient's back for posterior pad placement without interrupting care. With its unique wrap-around arm design, LifeLine transitions from manual to automated compression in under 3 seconds maintaining the continuous blood flow essential for shock success.
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.
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.
