Purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be a difficult decision with numerous manufacturers to choose from and numerous different features. Therefore, understanding the differences and capabilities of each AED is key to selecting the proper AED for your organization. Therefore, today, we will take a look at the Zoll AED Plus.
The most technologically advanced Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on the market today is the Zoll AED Plus. With “Real CPR Help”, the AED Plus provides feedback on compression rate and depth. This feedback helps responders to perform effective CPR at a rate of 100 compressions per minute with a depth of 1 ½ to 2 inches. As the American Heart Association (AHA) promotes “Compression Only” CPR, Zoll’s “Real CPR Help” is a great tool that no other AED on the market has!
Furthermore, the Zoll AED Plus strongly supports the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival.
- Early Access (Call 9-1-1)
- Early CPR
- Early Defibrillation
- Early Advanced Care
With clear pictures to act as road map for resuscitation, the AED Plus prompts the responder to check responsiveness, call 9-1-1, perform CPR, defibrillate (if needed) and continue to treat a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) victim until Advanced Care arrives.
In addition to “Real CPR Help” and “Clear Pictures”, the Zoll AED Plus has many other highly effective features which make it ideal for any organization to deploy:
- One Piece Pad: Zoll’s CPR-D Padz is a one piece, pre-connected pair of electrodes which is much easier and quicker to use than two sets of pads. Furthermore, the CPR-D Padz has the longest life of any pad on the market with a 4.5 year expiration.
- Rectilinear Biphasic Waveform: Only biphasic waveform cleared by the FDA to be labeled as clinically superior to monophasic waveforms for the conversion of ventricular fibrillation in high-impedance patients.
- Escalating Energy: If Shock #1 one does not convert the heart at 120 Joules, the device will escalate to 150 Joules for Shock #2. If 3rd Shock is needed, the Zoll AED Plus will increase once again to 200 Joules and deliver its highest energy shock.
- High Durability Rating: With an ingress protection rating of IP55, the Zoll AED Plus has a high resistance to dust & water. Therefore, the AED Plus can be taken virtually anywhere and is ideal for Athletic, Marine and Manufacturing Settings.
- Consumer Batteries: The Zoll AED Plus is the only AED to use consumer batteries which can be purchased from most retailers. Using lithium camera batteries to power itself, Zoll has made replacing batteries convenient and cost effective.
- Useful Cover: Zoll has designed the AED Plus’s cover to be used as a wedge to open the airway. By placing the cover under the victim’s shoulder blades, the body is elevated slightly causing the head to tilt back and the victim’s airway to open.
It is Zoll’s belief that when a victim falls unconscious that a shock will only be needed 50% of the time. However, high quality CPR will be needed 100%. Therefore, Zoll has designed the AED Plus to do what no the AED does, provide CPR coaching and feedback to responders in order to increase effectiveness and maximize positive outcomes.
In designing a simple device which anyone can use, the Zoll AED Plus can be deployed in almost any organization/facility. However, below is a list of industries which we have found it to be the most beneficial in:
- Athletic Facilities
- Government Agencies
- Law Enforcement
- Manufacturing Plants
Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the Zoll AED Plus AED and how to implement an AED Program for your organization. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.
