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AED Plus

The first and only full rescue AED.

Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions about the ZOLL AED Plus^®.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) simply means that the heart unexpectedly & abruptly stops beating. This is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). The only effective treatment for VF is Defibrillation. However almost equally as often as Ventricular Fibrillation, the presenting rhythm is Asystole or PEA (pulseless electrical activity) where a defibrillator would advise "NO SHOCK" and the only effective treatment is good quality CPR.

Is SCA the same as a heart attack?

No. A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of part of the heart muscle. Heart attack victims usually (but not always) experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes will lead to SCA. However, SCA may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs. SCA results in death if not treated immediately.

What is VF?

VF is an abnormal heart rhythm often seen in SCA. This rhythm is caused by an abnormal and very fast electrical activity in the heart. VF is chaotic and unorganised; the heart just quivers like jelly on a plate and cannot effectively pump blood. VF will be short lived and deteriorate to asystole (a flat line) if not treated promptly.

How is VF treated?

The only effective treatment for VF is an electrical shock called defibrillation. Defibrillation is an electrical current applied to the chest. The electrical current passes through the heart with the goal of stopping the VF and giving an opportunity for the heart's normal electrical system to take control. This current helps the heart reorganize the electrical activity so it can pump blood again. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can defibrillate the heart.

What is an AED?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a device that analyses and looks for shockable heart rhythms, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation and delivers a shock if needed.

If defibrillation is so important, why should I do CPR?

CPR provides some circulation of oxygen rich blood to the victim's heart and brain. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. CPR also makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation.

Can I accidentally shock another rescuer or myself?

AEDs are extremely safe when used properly. The electric shock is programmed to go from one electrode pad to another through the victim's chest. Basic precautions, such a verbally warning others to stand clear and visually checking the area before and during the shock, will virtually ensure the safety of rescuers.

Should I use the AED if the victim has a pacemaker or is pregnant?

Yes, never withhold the use of an AED on a person with SCA.

What is the shelf life of CPR-D•padz Electrode?

5 years

How does the CPR-D•padz Electrode measure the depth of compressions?

There is an accelerometer in the CPR puck that measures distance moved and the Real CPR Help^® algorithm converts compression data instantaneously and provides a metronome to help the rescuer with the proper rate and depth with prompts like "Push harder" or "Good Compression".

After performing a manual self-test on the AED Plus, if it says "unit failed," what is the NEXT thing that should be done?

Press the on-off button to turn the unit on; the unit should then prompt you to what the problem is.

Do I have to wait for the entire picture LEDs to sequence before I can defibrillate?

No the pictures do not stop you from immediately attaching the CPR-D•padz Electrode. In this way in the ZOLL AED Plus works like any other ordinary AED. Once the electrodes are attached it will begin analysis automatically and in this respect works just like the early model AEDs.

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