Choosing the Right ZOLL Defibrillator

Choosing the Right ZOLL Defibrillator
27 September 2024

Choosing the Right ZOLL Defibrillator

Contents

For over 25 years, ZOLL’s focus has been on building confidence in lay responders and giving cardiac arrest victims the chance of survival, where seconds count, and it’s down to members of the public to help. With more than 1.5 million AEDs installed globally, ZOLL AEDs are trusted for their intelligence, reliability, and readiness in critical moments.

ZOLL's pioneering technology is what makes the difference when someone needs to act fast in an emergency. A key feature of ZOLL AEDs is their real-time feedback technology, which provides rescuers with guidance to deliver high-quality CPR and stay focused under stress. This feedback is crucial for increasing a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victim’s chances of survival.

The importance of high-quality CPR cannot be overstated. AEDs will only recommend a shock in around 50% of first analyses, meaning high-quality CPR is essential in every case. For instances where no shock is advised, effective CPR helps circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs such as the heart and brain, significantly improving a victim’s chances of survival. Even when a shock is necessary, high-quality CPR is still vital to supply oxygenated blood and help the heart return to a normal rhythm.

But CPR monitoring is not the only reason ZOLL AEDs are perfect public access devices; features like intuitive touchscreens and electrode design, audio and visual instructions, and paramedic handover information make it all that much easier to deliver first aid and save someone’s life without any prior training.

When it comes to public access defibrillators, we recommend the two most cutting-edge models from ZOLL: the ZOLL AED 3 and the ZOLL AED Plus. But which one is right for you? How many should be installed on-site? What replacement batteries and electrodes does it need? In this guide, we’ll help direct you to the right equipment.

ZOLL Defibrilator on the floor in front of a scene where someone has collapsed

Why Having an AED On-Site Is Critical:

  • Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in Europe, affecting over 350,000 people every year.
  • SCA can happen to anyone, at any time—it affects both children and adults, even those with no prior heart issues.
  • Immediate treatment is vital: For every minute without treatment, a victim’s survival chances decrease by 10%.
  • Without an AED, a victim’s survival rate is just 5%, but with an AED, it increases significantly to 24%.
  • Bystander intervention is crucial: When bystanders perform CPR and use an AED before emergency services arrive, survival rates can increase to 60%.

From the Steroplast Knowledge Base
See how we’re helping Manchester United improve stadium safety

Learn how Steroplast is supporting 24/7 public access defibrillators at Old Trafford, bridging the care gap and prioritising fan safety.

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Your Defibrillator Risk Assessment

Workplace Size & Layout (Click to read)

Workplace Demographics (Click to read)

Responder Experience & Support (Click to read)

Environment (Click to read)

Readiness & Maintenance (Click to read)

Cost (Click to read)

If you’re still unsure which defibrillator is right for you, get in touch with us. Our expert team will help clarify the best product for your circumstances and help you get set up.

For more information about being prepared to handle a cardiac arrest, take a look at the free guides in our knowledge base:

Visit our
Advanced Life Support Online Guide

Find everything you need from diagnostics & immobilisation to surgical instruments.

Quick Glance Comparison

Use this comparison to see how the ZOLL AED 3 and the ZOLL AED Plus stack up against each other.

  • Display and User Interface: The ZOLL AED 3 has a full-colour touchscreen display and vivid rescue images, while the AED Plus relies on graphic icons and traditional prompts.
  • Paediatric Rescue: The AED 3 uses the same Uni-padz® for both adults and children, whereas the AED Plus requires separate pediatric pads.
  • Pre-shock Pause Time: The AED 3 has a shorter pre-shock pause time (five seconds) compared to the AED Plus (13 seconds), which can minimise interruptions during CPR.
  • WiFi Connectivity: The AED 3 offers WiFi connectivity for automatic status reporting and event data management, which is not available on the AED Plus.
  • Special Features: The AED 3 has RapidShock™ Analysis for quicker rhythm analysis, while the AED Plus includes an airway support function using the lid of the device.

ZOLL AED 3

The ZOLL AED 3 defibrillator is designed for rescuers needing intuitive, real-time guidance during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. It offers a full-colour touchscreen, RapidShock Analysis for quick shock delivery in as little as five seconds, integrated pediatric rescue with universal pads, optional WiFi connectivity for device readiness reporting, and enhanced Real CPR Help technology for high-quality CPR guidance.

Enhanced Real CPR Help® Technology

  • With visual and audio prompts, real-time feedback on CPR compression rate and depts.
  • Full-colour display with vivid rescue images, a CPR cycle timer, and a large colour bar gauge showing compression depth.

Integrated Paediatric Rescue

  • Universal CPR Uni-padz® electrodes are suitable for both adults and children. Simply activate child mode for pediatric rescue.
  • Child-specific analysis and therapy algorithm with the same pads for both adults and children.

WiFi Connected

  • Cloud connectivity allows for automatic device status reportings, ensuring readiness for emergencies.
  • Enables quick access and transmission of event data to medical professionals.
  • Automates device checks and accessory data input, useful for larger or decentralised sites.

Long-Life Consumables

  • Five-year shelf life for both batteries and CPR Uni-padz® electrodes, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance.

RapidShock™ Analysis

  • Shortest rhythm analysis time in the industry, minimising pauses for more continuous life-saving CPR, which improves patient outcomes.

Voice and Text Prompts

  • Clear, step-by-step voice and text prompts guide rescuers through the rescue process.

Full-Color Rescue Images

  • Full-colour images and a touch-screen display assist the rescuer in performing CPR and operating the AED.

Touch Screen Display

  • The intuitive touch screen allows quick access to device information and settings without additional external devices or software.

Battery Life

  • Five-year standby battery life with smart battery technology that reports power status on the device's LCD screen or via WiFi to a program management system.

Readiness Indicator

  • Weekly self-tests to ensure AED readiness, with status automatically reported via WiFi or USB if configured.

Durability

  • IP55 rating for dust and moisture resistance, withstanding harsh environments, plus a one-meter drop test for added durability.

Programme Management

  • All ZOLL AED 3 devices can be managed through AED Programme Management software, allowing easy monitoring of multiple units.
  • The Defibrillator Dashboard™ and PlusTrac™ provide remote management of device checks and accessory data input.

CPR Uni-padz® Electrodes

  • The universal CPR Uni-padz® electrodes work for both adults and pediatric patients, with an industry-leading five-year shelf life.
  • No need for separate sets of pads for different age groups.

Smart Battery

  • Reports battery status on the AED's screen or automatically via WiFi. The battery lasts up to five years and costs less than competitive smart batteries.

RescueNet® EventSummary

  • Captures clinical event data, providing rescuers and caregivers with a complete picture of sudden cardiac arrest events. Data can be exported for review and analysis.

Pre-shock Pause

  • A five-second pause allows the AED to analyse the heart rhythm and prepare for shock delivery.

Multilingual Support

  • Full-colour rescue images support multilingual environments.

Smart Investment

  • Long-life consumables and smart batteries lead to lower maintenance costs and increased readiness, making it a cost-effective solution.

Automatic Models Available

  • Fully automatic versions of the ZOLL AED 3 are also available.

Compatible Accessories

Or download ZOLL’s guide to all compatible accessories.

Compare this AED to other models you’ve seen:

ZOLL AED Plus

The ZOLL AED Plus defibrillator is perfect for public access and lay rescuers who need a simple, durable, and cost-effective solution. It provides Real CPR Help technology with audio and visual prompts for effective CPR, features a rugged design with automatic self-testing, has long-life batteries and pads to reduce maintenance, and focuses on ease of use during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

Real CPR Help® Technology

  • Provides integrated, real-time feedback on compression rate and depth to guide rescuers in delivering high-quality CPR.
  • Offers visual and audio prompts, including instructions to "push harder" or confirmation of "good compressions."

One-Piece Pad Design

  • The unique one-piece electrode design ensures easy and accurate pad placement, which speeds up the rescue process.
  • Includes a rescue accessory kit with scissors, gloves, mask, and other items.

Long-Lasting Consumables

  • Industry-leading five-year shelf life for both batteries and CPR-D Padz® electrodes.
  • Fewer replacements, lower maintenance costs, and improved device readiness.

Voice and Text Prompts

  • Offers clear, step-by-step voice and text prompts to assist rescuers in using the device.

Graphic Icons

  • Visual prompts guide rescuers through the rescue process, making the AED user-friendly even for individuals with minimal training.

Paediatric Rescue

  • Features child-specific analysis and therapy algorithms with separate pediatric pads for appropriate shock delivery.

Pre-shock Pause

  • A 13-second pause allows the AED to analyse and prepare for shock delivery.

Battery Life

  • Off-the-shelf lithium 123 batteries provide a five-year standby life, reducing costs compared to proprietary battery cartridges.

Durability

  • IP55 rating for dust and moisture resistance, ensuring reliability even in harsh environments.

Readiness Indicator

  • Weekly self-tests ensure AED readiness, with an indicator on the device showing its status.

Programme Management

  • Can be managed through AED Programme Management software for easier tracking and device maintenance.

IrDA Connectivity

  • Allows for easy downloading of event data and management through IrDA connectivity.

RescueNet® EventSummary

  • Captures clinical event data for post-event debriefing and quality review, including ECG summaries and CPR performance logs.
  • Flexible options for importing data via IrDA or ZOLL Online accounts.

Professional Interface (Optional)

  • Minimal front-panel graphics with necessary voice and text prompts for full rescues in professional settings.

CPR-D Padz® Electrodes

  • Designed with a five-year lifespan to reduce electrode replacement costs and ensure consistent device readiness.
  • Includes a barrier mask, scissors, disposable gloves, prep razor, towel, and moist towelette.

AED Plus Package

  • Every purchase comes with CPR-D Padz® electrodes, batteries, manuals, and a free on-site in-service.

Low Total Cost of Ownership

  • Long-life consumables and cost-effective off-the-shelf batteries result in the lowest total cost of ownership among AEDs.

Airway Support

  • The lid of the AED Plus can be used under a victim's head to help maintain an open airway during rescue.

Compatible Accessories

Simplify Workplace First Aid
Interactive Online Guide & Downloadable Brochure

Simplify Workplace First Aid
Interactive Online Guide & Downloadable Brochure

Choose the format that works for you: check out our Workplace First Aid Interactive Online Guide or download our Workplace First Aid Brochure as an easy-to-save PDF. Both include a self-assessment, product details, pricing, and comprehensive training and support.

Compare this AED to other models you’ve seen:

Other ZOLL AEDs

Powerheart G5 (Click to read)

ZOLL AED 3 BLS (Click to read)

AED Pro (Click to read)

ZOLL AED Plus Trainer (Click to read)

If you’re still unsure which defibrillator is right for you, get in touch with us. Our expert team will help clarify the best product for your circumstances and help you get set up.