Your ZOLL AED: Installation and Training
So you’ve made the decision to install an AED. This is one of the most significant steps you can take to protect the lives of those who use your premises, whether staff, customers, or members of the public.
Managing a holistic AED program involves much more than just buying an AED; it takes time and effort. You need to make sure your AED can be used in an emergency, that your workforce knows what to do, and that it’s never broken or out of battery at a crucial moment.
Setting up a program from pre-event preparedness to rescue response and post-event support will prepare your organisation for an unexpected sudden cardiac arrest emergency and help save lives when every minute counts.
For the maximum chance of saving someone’s life, you need to be prepared to use your AED at all times. That means the machine must be working, with a battery and in-date pads. Your staff needs the training and knowledge to use it confidently—no matter who is on shift. Your device should be accessible to anyone, whether they’re a manager or a public member.
Follow this guide as we help you get ready to use your defibrillator.
Preparing for Your AED Installation
Before securing your new AED in a cabinet or wall bracket, you need to check that it’s in good working order and ready to go. Here’s how to prepare your AED for installation.
1. Unpacking and Inspecting Your AED
Your AED should arrive in excellent condition, and all features should work perfectly. But don’t just assume everything is okay. Check your device thoroughly before installing it.
Watch these videos to see an unboxing of your new AED, along with all its extras and accessories:
Your device comes with its own battery pack and electrodes, but we recommend ensuring you have spares just in case a faulty battery or pads prevent you from using an otherwise working defibrillator.
Tip: ZOLL batteries can be recharged using a SurePower™ Charger Station.
ZOLL AED 3 |
Pad
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Battery
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ZOLL AED Plus |
Pad
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Battery
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ZOLL Powerheart G5 |
Pad
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Battery
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Read our guide, for more information on what you need.
2. Verify Your Device is Operational
Check that your device is operational by inspecting its functionality. Follow these steps to set up your device, including how to install the battery and pads:
3. Selecting the Right Location for Your AED
There are two vital considerations for AED placement on your premises:
- Visibility: Do people know it’s there? Is there ample signage to ensure it can be found?
- Accessibility: Can people reach it safely and easily? Is it easy to access for emergency use and maintenance purposes?
Here’s what you need to consider when thinking of defibrillator placement:
Will it be visible from afar or obscured by furniture and other objects?
Tip: Install your AED at the junction of corridors or in open spaces to maximise visibility.
How will people know where your defibrillator is if they can't immediately see it?
Tip: Put signage in strategic positions to help direct people towards the AED. Choose a spot with high footfall so people get used to seeing it and remember where it is.
Are there restricted areas of your premises that members of the public or even some staff can’t access without a key or a code?
Tip: Place your AED in an area that is entirely publicly accessible to minimise. If needed, install more than one to cover restricted areas.
Do you have enough AEDs?
Tip: An AED should be accessible within 200 metres or two minutes’ brisk walk (four minutes there and back) from where it is needed.
Remember, you’ll need at least one AED on each floor, and if there are isolated areas that take longer to access (such as those behind multiple security doors), these might also need their own AED. Consider if offsite facilities also need a defibrillator or if lone workers should carry one.
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4. Register Your AED on The Circuit
You should register your defibrillators on The Circuit to ensure emergency services know the location of the nearest device in the event of a cardiac arrest. When someone calls 999 to report a cardiac arrest, the call handler will be able to detect the AED in your workplace and direct them to it. Without The Circuit, finding the closest AED might take longer, reducing the casualty’s chance of survival.
Register your defibrillator with The Circuit.
Download free signage to place throughout your premises to direct people towards your AED.
The Installation Process
The next step is to install your AED in your selected spot
Follow the installation guidance for your chosen defibrillator cabinet or wall bracket. Ensure your cabinet or wall bracket is suitable for the placement with regard to temperatures, dust, moisture, and tampering. I.e., ensure you’ve picked the right cabinet for the environment.
Some cabinets can withstand extreme temperatures, whereas others are designed to protect the AED from wear and tear in a secure indoor environment. The cabinet must comply with the AED's durability specifications.
If you have a locking cabinet, ensure the code is securely stored somewhere in case you need access.
Extras for Your Cabinet
Consider whether it’s worth storing some extra supplies with your AED:
- Tuff Cut Scissors for cutting clothes away quickly to expose the bare chest.
- Safety razor in case there’s dense hair on the casualty’s chest and the pads cannot make good enough contact with the skin.
- Alcohol wipes in case the chest skin needs to be cleaned.
- A towel to dry the casualty’s chest or other areas (as water contact during defibrillation is very dangerous).
Note: Your device will come with one of each of these.
Setting Up Your AED Maintenance Plan
Regular Self-Tests
AEDs typically conduct self-tests regularly to ensure they’re constantly working and ready to go. ZOLL AEDs conduct self-tests automatically. Both ZOLL AED 3 and ZOLL AED Plus perform a range of checks, including daily, weekly, and monthly tests, to verify battery status, electrode connections, and internal components.
A green checkmark (✓) indicates that all systems are functioning correctly, while a red X signals that a test has failed, requiring troubleshooting. If the status indicator is blank, the AED may be malfunctioning and should be immediately removed from service for further inspection or repair.
ZOLL Maintenance Support Services
PlusTrac®
PlusTrac is an interactive app and platform that ensures your defibrillators and trained responders are always ready. It tracks AED status, including pad and battery expiration, and schedules inspections and responder training. PlusTrac helps maintain compliance, ensuring your devices are operational and your rescuers confident, offering peace of mind that you're always prepared in an emergency.
PlusTrac program management can also help larger organisations with multiple AEDs better manage their AED program compliance by tracking routine inspections performed by onsite staff. PlusTrac provides prompt notifications regarding battery or electrode expiration dates and will immediately notify customers in the unlikely event of any device notices or recalls.
PlusCare
PlusCare is ZOLL's comprehensive AED maintenance service, ensuring that your defibrillators are always Rescue Ready®. It includes annual maintenance, troubleshooting, and consumable replacements like pads and batteries. Certified technicians perform on-site inspections, and PlusCare Advanced also covers accessory replacements.
Benefits of PlusCare include:
- Peace of mind: Your AEDs are regularly maintained, ensuring they're ready in emergencies.
- Compliance: AEDs are kept up-to-date, including documentation for regulatory purposes.
- Post-event support: ZOLL's clinical team offers debriefing after an AED use, supporting rescuers.
- Manufacturer recall alerts: PlusCare notifies you of important recall notices for timely action.
- PlusTrac integration: PlusCare includes PlusTrac® software for tracking AED readiness, accessories, and responder certifications.
Support Tailored to Your Needs
Programme management needs differ from one organisation to the next, but all organisations deserve the same resilient, reliable support that Rescue Ready Services provides. That’s why all our programme options are powered by PlusTrac.
| PlusTrac | PlusCare | PlusCare Advanced | |
| AED status and accessory tracking/reporting | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Responder certification tracking/reporting | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| AED programme alerts/notifications | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Manufacturer recall alerts | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Online resource library | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| AED programme data entry/batch upload | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Post-event review and clinical welfare debrief | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Dedicated local customer support | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Annual on-site service & maintenance* | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Physical AED inspection | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Operational tests including shock analysis testing | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Electrode and battery status | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Complete cleaning of AED | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Compliance guarantee documentation | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Replacement accessories included | ⚫ |
*PlusCare and PlusCare Advanced programmes do not include loaner AED feature. A PlusCare expert will be sent to your location to ensure your AED is back to Rescue Ready status. A loaner unit will be provided if your AED requires service at ZOLL’s service depot.
Support Tailored to Your Needs
Programme management needs differ from one organisation to the next, but all organisations deserve the same resilient, reliable support that Rescue Ready Services provides. That’s why all our programme options are powered by PlusTrac.
| Plus Trac | Plus Care | PlusCare Advanced | |
| AED status and accessory tracking/ reporting | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Responder certification tracking/ reporting | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| AED programme alerts/ notifications | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Manufacturer recall alerts | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Online resource library | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| AED programme data entry/ batch upload | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Post-event review and clinical welfare debrief | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Dedicated local customer support | ⚫ | ⚫ | ⚫ |
| Annual on-site service & maintenance* | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Physical AED inspection | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Operational tests including shock analysis testing | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Electrode and battery status | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Complete cleaning of AED | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Compliance guarantee documentation | ⚫ | ⚫ | |
| Replacement accessories included | ⚫ |
*PlusCare and PlusCare Advanced programmes do not include loaner AED feature. A PlusCare expert will be sent to your location to ensure your AED is back to Rescue Ready status. A loaner unit will be provided if your AED requires service at ZOLL’s service depot.
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Staff Training on Using Your ZOLL AED
When someone collapses, the most important thing is to act quickly. Training and education about cardiac arrest, CPR, and using an AED are essential because they increase the probability of people acting quickly and confidently and handling the situation correctly.
If you’re installing an AED, you need to make sure your staff are prepared to do the following:
- Elect to help a casualty
- Work as a team
- Give CPR
- Use an AED
- Manage an emergency safely
WHAT IT IS
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST
(SCA) occurs when an electrical malfunction of the heart causes it to suddenly stop beating.
WHAT IT’S NOT
SCA IS NOT A HEART ATTACK
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is impeded due to a blocked artery.
HOW DO I HELP?
Approximately 50% of SCA victims initially require defibrillation1. All require CPR. If you perform CPR immediately and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) within minutes, you can double or quadruple a person’s chance of survival.
GOOD CHEST COMPRESSIONS
are essential to move blood throughout the body toprotect vital organs. The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends a depth greater than 5cm, but not more than 6cm of continuous compressions at a rate of at least 100–120 compressions per minute.
ZOLL AEDS
with integrated Real CPR Help® guide rescuers with audible and visual feedback, with prompts that tell rescuers to “Push Harder” or positive reinforcements that let rescuers know they have achieved “Good Compressions.”
An SCA victim’s chance of survival increases to 50% when they are treated with high- quality CPR and an AED.
Every second counts. For every minute that passes without CPR, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 10%.
78% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 showed evidence of heart damage caused by the disease weeks after they recovered (53% were males between ages 45-53).
1 in 10 victims survive sudden cardiac arrest. If victims receive CPR and are treated with an AED immediately, 5 in 10 could survive.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Is More Common Than Most Think
• In Europe, more than 350,000 patients are affected by SCA every year.
• SCA can happen to anyone at any time. SCA doesn’t discriminate. It can affect children and adults of all ages and isn’t exclusive to those with a history of heart problems.
WHAT IT IS
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST
(SCA) occurs when an electrical malfunction of the heart causes it to suddenly stop beating.
WHAT IT’S NOT
SCA IS NOT A HEART ATTACK
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is impeded due to a blocked artery.
HOW DO I HELP?
Approximately 50% of SCA victims initially require defibrillation1. All require CPR. If you perform CPR immediately and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) within minutes, you can double or quadruple a person’s chance of survival.
GOOD CHEST COMPRESSIONS
are essential to move blood throughout the body toprotect vital organs. The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends a depth greater than 5cm, but not more than 6cm of continuous compressions at a rate of at least 100–120 compressions per minute.
ZOLL AEDS
with integrated Real CPR Help® guide rescuers with audible and visual feedback, with prompts that tell rescuers to “Push Harder” or positive reinforcements that let rescuers know they have achieved “Good Compressions.”
An SCA victim’s chance of survival increases to 50% when they are treated with high- quality CPR and an AED.
Every second counts. For every minute that passes without CPR, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 10%.
78% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 showed evidence of heart damage caused by the disease weeks after they recovered (53% were males between ages 45-53).
1 in 10 victims survive sudden cardiac arrest. If victims receive CPR and are treated with an AED immediately, 5 in 10 could survive.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Is More Common Than Most Think
• In Europe, more than 350,000 patients are affected by SCA every year.
• SCA can happen to anyone at any time. SCA doesn’t discriminate. It can affect children and adults of all ages and isn’t exclusive to those with a history of heart problems.
Training on CPR
For every minute that passes without CPR or a defibrillating shock, the probability of survival drops by about 10%. Even without an AED, high-quality CPR radically improves the chances of survival from cardiac arrest. The probability of survival drops by only 4% every minute if you continue delivering high-quality CPR. With high-quality CPR, after 10 minutes, the chances of survival increase to 60%, even without an AED.
An AED will advise a shock only if it detects a shockable heart rhythm, and CPR is critical to establishing a shockable rhythm. Without high-quality CPR, the likelihood of a successful shock is greatly diminished.
Learn How to do CPR
Tip: Use a resusciade to prevent direct mouth-to-mouth contact when performing CPR. Keep some in your AED cabinet or case, ready to use.
If Someone is Unconscious and Not Breathing Normally:
- Call 999 immediately and start CPR without delay.
- The emergency operator will guide you through basic life-saving instructions, including how to perform CPR.
CPR for Adults
- Position yourself: Kneel beside the person. Place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest (the breastbone) and your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers.
- Body alignment: Ensure your shoulders are directly over your hands.
- Chest compressions: Press down 5-6cm (2-2.5 inches) at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Rescue breaths: After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 breaths:
a: Tilt the person’s head back slightly and lift the chin.
b: Pinch their nose closed, cover their mouth with yours, and blow steadily for 1 second, ensuring their chest rises. - Cycle: Continue with 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths until they recover or help arrives.
CPR for Children (Over 1 Year Old)
- Open the airway: Tilt the child's head back slightly by placing one hand on their forehead and gently lifting their chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth or nose.
- Initial rescue breaths: Pinch the child’s nose, cover their mouth with yours, and blow firmly for 5 rescue breaths, ensuring their chest rises.
- Chest compressions: Use the heel of one hand (or two if necessary) to press down on the centre of their chest by about 5cm (2 inches). Aim for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Cycle: After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle until the child recovers or emergency help arrives.
CPR for Infants (Under 1 Year Old)
- Open the airway: Gently tilt the infant's head back and lift their chin. Clear any visible obstructions from the mouth or nose.
- Initial rescue breaths: Cover both the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth and blow steadily, checking their chest rises. Give 5 rescue breaths.
- Chest compressions: Use 2 fingers to press down on the centre of the chest by 4cm (1.5 inches). Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
- Cycle: After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Continue cycles until the infant recovers or help arrives.
Tip: Keep the right tempo with your chest compressions by following the tune of Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees.
ZOLL Real CPR Help®
A ZOLL defibrillator provides additional help when you’re giving CPR. Real CPR Help® is programmed into all ZOLL devices.
ZOLL pads capture the rate and depth of compressions and feed this information back to the device. If compressions aren’t the correct depth, the device will give a visual and audio prompt instructing the user to “push harder”. An audible metronome will help the user maintain the right tempo of compressions. The AED will also tell you when to stop or continue CPR when needed.
A Mesa, Arizona study revealed the impact of Real CPR Help® on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates. Conducted by the local EMS under Dr. Ben Bobrow, the study found that patients defibrillated with Real CPR Help® and treated by medics trained in scenario-based techniques had more than double the survival rate—55.6% versus 26.3%—compared to those without these enhancements. Real CPR Help® improved CPR quality by increasing chest compression depth and time spent compressing while ensuring a more optimal compression rate.
Training on AED Use
Knowing how to use an AED isn’t common knowledge, but it should be. If more people knew how to use an AED, especially a ZOLL AED designed for untrained people, they’d realise how easy it is, and this would make it more likely for them to step in when someone needs help.
Watch these videos to find out how to use your device:
Remember, your ZOLL AED will provide clear audio and visual prompts at every step, telling you exactly what to do. However, following instructions is harder under pressure, so make sure your team watches the video and understands how the device works and what to expect.
Watch our shorts about using a defibrillator…
Do you need professional training?
There are some instances in which self-training isn’t enough. Do your staff require formal training and certification? Here are some situations to consider:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that workplaces with AEDs provide staff with certified training to ensure they are confident and capable of using the device in an emergency.
If you operate a workplace with elevated risks of cardiac arrest, your risk assessment will state that you need an AED as part of your first aid supplies. This is different to cases where having an AED is just an extra safety measure. If your risk assessment states you need an AED, your appointed first aiders may need formal training as part of their certified first aid training.
If you run or volunteer at a community project, you may need certified training to ensure the AED is properly maintained and accessible.
Check out AED training courses:
St John Ambulance Automated External Defibrillation Course (certificate valid for three years)
British Red Cross AED with CPR Training Course (certificate valid for three years)
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.
Responding to a Cardiac Emergency
Responding to a cardiac arrest is about more than using an AED to deliver a life-saving shock. There’s a lot going on during the emergency, and your team needs to know how to handle it.
Recognising Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Collapse isn’t always because of a cardiac arrest. It’s important to correctly identify cardiac arrest to give the casualty the right treatment without wasting time. Read our guide, What to Do When Someone Collapses, to find out about different causes for collapse and what to do.
Check for these signs of a cardiac arrest:
- Sudden collapse—The person becomes unresponsive and unconscious.
- No breathing or abnormal breathing—They may stop breathing or gasp for air (agonal gasping).
- No pulse—The person will not have a detectable pulse.
- Unresponsiveness—The person will not respond to talking, shaking, or other stimuli.
How to Handle an Emergency
Check for safety hazards:
- Before approaching someone who has collapsed, check the environment for hazards. There should be no live wires, fire, dangerous chemicals, pricarious objects, traffic, or other safety risks.
- Check that the casualty is not lying in water before using the defibrillator (see safety using an AED).
- Monitor for hazards while you’re providing first aid.
How to work as a team:
- Never leave a casualty alone. One person should go fetch the defibrillator and call 999, and another should start CPR.
- CPR can be tiring, so take turns with someone else to maintain good speed and compression depth.
- If there are crowds, assign someone to manage them and clear the area.
Manage panic:
- Clear the area of other people unless they are helping
- Close areas off to the public if needed
- Try to remain calm and reassure others if they are scared
- Talk in a clear voice to others who are helping you
When you call 999, the operator will tell you where the nearest defibrillator is. Check this guide to find out how to locate them yourself so you’re prepared before an emergency strikes.
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Post-Event Protocols and Support
If you use your AED to help someone in cardiac arrest, you’ll need to return to emergency readiness quickly. Here’s what you need to do after using your AED.
What to Do After an AED is Used
- Inspect the unit for physical damage or excessive wear and tear.
- Use a soft, damp cloth and 90% isopropyl alcohol or soap and water to clean the unit. Avoid using abrasive materials such as paper towels on the display or near the ports. Do not immerse any part of the AED in water.
- If you have ZOLL PlusCare, you can use it for device checkups, dedicated customer support, and cleaning.
Note: Your AED will store important information about previous use, which paramedics can access and transfer, so you don’t need to do anything.
Replacing Accessories and Re-Training
Check what you need to replace. Your battery may not need to be replaced but must be checked to ensure it’s not low or dead.
You will need to replace your AED pads, so ensure you do this and buy back-up pads as soon as possible. Items like razors and towels may also need to be replaced.
Use this guidance to ensure you’re 100% ready to handle a cardiac arrest emergency. If you need to buy and install an AED, consult our buying guide to choose the right ZOLL AED and accessories.
