Developing Novel Biosensors for Remote Detection of Cardiac Arrest

When a citizen collapses from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), it must be recognized before anyone can call 9-1-1 or bystanders can start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In more than 75% of all SCAs, no one is there to witness the event, and resultant survival is near 0%. To address delays in detecting SCA and administering CPR, this project aims to develop wearable sensors to identify SCA and automatically call 9-1-1 with global positioning system (GPS) co-ordinates. Death from SCA is a significant and unrecognized epidemic in Canada affecting over 20,000 people annually. Immediate recognition of SCAs would have the potential to impact thousands of individuals and their families in Canada every year. This project is strategically aligned with the goals of our partner organization, CHÉOS,’ contributes to training the next generation of researchers and working cooperatively with other health research organizations, including those at the University of British Columbia and beyond, to develop and carry out research strategies that impact the health and wellbeing of Canadians.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian Grunau;Babak Shadgan;Calvin Kuo

Student:

Partner:

Providence Health Care

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: