AED Review: ZOLL AED Plus

ZOLL AED Plus Review

Cost: 4/5
Features: 8/10
Total cost of ownership (lower is better): (1/10)

One of the best AEDs on the market, the ZOLL AED Plus gets high marks in every area, making it an excellent choice for almost anyone looking for an AED. While it is on the high end when it comes to pricing, its versatility, ruggedness, and outstanding features make it well worth considering for most any buyer, whether a lay user or a professional first responder. While initial purchase cost is higher, the AED Plus has the lowest total cost of ownership compared to other AEDs (due in large part to the use of long-lasting 5-year “off the shelf” lithium batteries, readily available at a fraction of the price of the proprietary battery packs most AEDs use).

The ZOLL AED has behind it a long history of development by the original experts in the field of electrical heart monitoring and stimulation for the purposes of defibrillation and pacing. ZOLL Medical, producer of ZOLL AEDs, was founded by Dr. Paul M. Zoll and associates in 1980. Zoll, while Chief of the Cardiac Clinic at Beth Israel Hospital in 1952, demonstrated that “external electrical stimulation of a patient's chest during cardiac arrest can produce an effective heartbeat.”

A ZOLL AED Plus unit can be purchased with various features/accessories depending on its primary intended use. While the AED Plus is listed by ZOLL among its models made for “Public Access Defibrillation”, its high quality and available options make it a candidate for more than occasional use at one primary site:

It is made to stand up to being transported and used in rugged conditions (carried by area security officers, at sporting events, out backpacking, boating, etc.)
It has an IP (“Ingress Protection”) rating of 55, the same high standard as professional use models/brands. Thus it can withstand dust, moisture, and extremes in temperature, altitude, vibration and impact.
Emphasizing the likelihood that it will be purchased for portability and more frequent use, a carrying case is included for easy travel. (True confessions: the one negative review I found for this AED said that “the cover is a little hard to open”).

Key Features of the ZOLL AED Plus

ZOLL’s roots in the field of medical research and technological development show up strongly in two newer features, shown below, that hit at the core needs of first responders:

The fact is, according to the American Heart Association, CPR plus early defibrillation can more than double the rate of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest ( 2015 AHA Guidelines). ZOLL made its AEDs to provide more assistance to those performing CPR than just giving an electric shock, stepping out ahead of the competition with the addition of its “CPR-D Padz” and“Real CPR Help” technologies.

Health care professionals as well as lay responders benefit from assistance in knowing where, how often and how hard to push to meet current guidelines for chest compression rate and depth. With placement of the “CPR-D-padz“ and deployment of the Zoll AED Plus with its “Real CPR Help” technology, first-aiders know! They are guided through quick and proper placement of the electrodes and shown where to give compressions, then given specific real-time feedback regarding proper rate and chest pressure for those compressions. Rescuers receive audio and visual feedback that guides them to deliver high-quality CPR.

See “Real CPR Help” technology in action in this online demo:

Additional ZOLL AED Plus Features

Several features and available options make the AED Plus an outstanding choice for lay or professional use:

Semi-automatic or automatic shock feature. The semi-automatic mode requires the rescuer to press a button upon prompting from the machine. Automatic mode warns the rescuer and delivers a shock as soon as the machine detects the need/readiness for defibrillation. The professional user may choose the semi-automatic feature to ensure full control of the shock function while attempting a rescue
”Pedi-padz” pediatric electrodes can be purchased in addition to standard CPR-D pads, providing “intelligent pediatric capability” for use with children up to 8 yrs/55 lbs. This choice benefits both the lay and professional first-aid providers. Purchase of the Pedi-padz adapts the AED plus to installation and use in day-care facilities and schools with young children. The professional can carry both sizes and types of pads (CPR-D or Standard) for use as needed.
Steps for use are easily understood and follow the American Heart Association’s “Chain of Survival. There are both visual icons and audio prompts which go above and beyond what is needed for effective use, including the best CPR guidance this blogger has found.
It uses (relatively) low-cost off-the-shelf rechargeable lithium batteries with a stand-by life of 5 years. Again, the AED plus is very versatile. Low-cost easy to purchase batteries are used, an advantage for any user.
Automatic self-testing ensures state of readiness.
5 year warranty (7 years with online registration).

ZOLL AED Plus Reviews from Around the Web

"I was fumbling as I turned on the AED and applied the pads. Once I got the pads on, the AED took over. I was petrified. It was a comfort that the AED Plus walked me through the rescue ... until the emergency response team was able to take over."

Carl Summers

Blain’s Farm and Fleet, Ottawa, Illinois

From: https://www.zoll.com/products/aeds/aeds-for-public-access/aed-plus-for-public-access

“We are extremely happy with the quality of our new AED unit!! Totally met all our expectations!!”

Reviewed by: Mitzi from Linn Creek Missouri

From: https://www.aedsuperstore.com/zoll-aed-plus-package.html

AED Good Enough for the Cleveland Clinic

I heard from a reliable source that the Cleveland Clinic is switching to all Zoll AEDs, and after seeing the video showing adult pads that measure compression depth and the overall function of the AED, I went ahead and purchased one.

Reviewed by Chris from Sandusky, Ohio

From: https://www.aedsuperstore.com/zoll-aed-plus-package.htm

Professional Reviews on the ZOLL AED Plus

The ZOLL AED Plus is another feature-rich device from the maker of advanced medical devices commonly seen in hospitals. This simple-to-use device, comes with the one-piece CPR-D padz, instead of two separate electrode pads, and allows the AED to give real-time feedback on rate and depth of CPR compressions. This device also uses consumer batteries, which keeps maintenance costs low. There are upgrade options available for the ZOLL AED Plus, such as an ECG display, and your option of semi-automatic or fully-automatic. ZOLL devices are popular in the medical field for a good reason: they make great products!

Reviewed by: Mike Carlin EMT, for AEDSuperstore

The best available

I have this unit in my bedroom closet. It is manufactured by a leader in defibrillator products. I'm a physician, and I've been using Zoll defibrillators/pacemakers in the operating room for nearly 30 years during open heart surgeries. Unfortunately, I'm also a patient with heart disease. I've already been shocked in the intensive care unit by a Zoll defibrillator, and I keep this AED at home, where my wife, sons and daughter in law are all trained to use it. Another advantage of this unit is the easily purchased and inexpensive lithium CR123 batteries. Most of the AEDs use proprietary lithium batteries that are difficult to obtain and cost much more ($7 a set vs $100).

Assistant Safety Coordinator

From: https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B001PJSWKK/ref=cm_cr_unknown?filterByS

tar=five_star&pageNumber=1

I have been an EMT for 24 years, both in an industrial setting and for my town’s fire service. As such, I have used several types of AEDs, but the Zoll AED-Plus is the best unit I have seen for general public access. Very impressive.

Brian from Mount Desert, Maine

From: https://www.aedsuperstore.com/zoll-aed-plus-package.html

ZOLL AED Plus FAQ’s

How Long do ZOLL AED Plus Batteries Last?

The Zoll Aed Plus uses readily available lithium batteries lasting 5 years. They are far less expensive than the proprietary battery packs sold with most units.

How Much does the ZOLL AED Plus Cost?

Prices vary, with numerous large discounts available, as well as special pricing for non-profit entities. Typically, a single ZOLL AED Plus will run around $1,700.00.

Where can I buy the ZOLL AED Plus?

You can purchase the ZOLL AED Plus from a variety of retailers including

AEDSuperstore ZOLL AED Plus

Heartsmart ZOLL AED Plus

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