In a cardiac arrest, circulation is critical for survival. It provides oxygen to preserve vital organ function in the body and delivers drug therapies more effectively.

In the past, defibrillation has been seen as the main key to resuscitation, however studies show that only between 25% - 50% of presenting rhythms are shockable^1,2,3 and it is the quality of CPR's that is gaining more significance in resuscitation efforts.

In non-shockable rhythms, CPR is vital in converting the presenting cardiac rhythm to one that can be shocked, by oxygenating heart cells and allowing them to be excited to produce electrical signals and restart co-ordinated pumping of the heart. Even when a shockable rhythm is seen, providing effective CPR is now regarded as vital in priming the heart to receive a successful defibrillating shock⁴.

Manual compressions – even when they are done well – only provide 10% - 20% of normal blood flow to the heart and 30% - 40% to the brain.

The ZOLL AutoPulse^® Automated Chest Compression System is a unique, non-invasive cardiac support pump that moves more blood,^5,6,7 more consistently than is possible with human hands. Easy to use and battery operated, its load-distributing LifeBand^® squeezes the entire chest. As a result, victims receive consistent, high-quality compressions that deliver improved blood flow.

The AutoPulse also minimizes time where compressions are not traditionally received, such as during transporting or while changing tiring rescuers. It also allows rescuers to provide compressions while performing other life-saving activities.

The AutoPulse delivers improved blood flow without interruptions of fatigue and provides hospital and ambulance based care-givers better access to the patient resulting in the possibility of improved survival for cardiac arrest victims. In fact, it has been shown to double survival to hospital discharge⁸.

The AutoPulse offers:

• Ensures improved blood flow by squeezing the entire chest, not just pushing on a single spot like manual CPR and other mechanical devices
• Is fast, easy and intuitive to start-up and use – it doesn't require manual adjustments because it automatically calculates the size, shape and resistance of each patient's chest
• Functions as an "additional person"
• Ensures clinical safety

References:

1. Peberdy MA et al. Resuscitation. 2003;58:297-308
2. Kaye W et al. JAMA. 2002:39(5),Suppl A
3. Cobb L et al. JAMA. 2002;288(23):3008-3013
4. Kern K et al.Bailliere's Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2000;14(3):591-609
5. Halperin HR et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.2004; 44(11):2214-2220
6. Ikeno F et al. Resuscitation. 2006;68:109-118
7. Timerman S et al. Resuscitation. 2004;61:273-280.5
8. Ong & Ornato JP et al. American Heart Association Annual Meeting. 2005