Automated External Defibrillator Benefits Hospital Users

A new automated external defibrillator (AED) for the hospital environment encourages first responders to act, coaches them on proper cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and turns into a full advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) unit on demand.

The ZOLL R Series Plus possesses a single button AED interface, similar to a public access AED. When turned on, the device prompts the first responder to place the defibrillator pads on the patient, and then either prompts the responder to stand clear during analysis, or to start CPR. The pads are preattached to the unit and are automatically tested daily along with more than 40 other aspects, such as circuitry. During CPR, the defibrillator measures both the depth and rate of CPR compressions and will prompt users to press harder if the depth is insufficient, while a metronome activates if the user is not compressing at the correct rate.

Upon arrival of the Code team, one press of a soft key turns the AED into a backlit full-service ACLS defibrillator, complete with pacing and advanced monitoring parameters such as noninvasive blood pressure, pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2), and end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), all without interrupting resuscitation in progress and with no need to change pads, cables, or add additional CPR feedback tools. The R Series Plus AED is a product of ZOLL Medical (Chelmsford, MA, USA).

Public access AEDs are designed for infrequent use, offer minimal options, and usually run on batteries. In addition, when the Code team arrives with an ACLS defibrillator, there may be a need to change out cables, electrodes, etc. The analysis time of many AEDs also leaves patients without CPR support for periods that can significantly impact shock conversion success. The ZOLL device is an option that helps overcome the drawbacks, and combine the benefits, of both AED and ACLS units.

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