CHELMSFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2004-- ZOLL Medical Corporation (NASDAQ: ZOLL - News), a manufacturer of non-invasive cardiac resuscitation devices, announced study results that showed lay rescuers followed more steps in the Chain of Survival using the ZOLL® AED Plus(TM) than other commercially-available automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The results were given during an oral presentation at the 2004 National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) Conference in early January.

In addition, the ZOLL AED Plus helped study participants significantly improve chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with an average 250% increase in the depth of compression. There was no improvement in compressions with any other device used in the study.

The study examined eight elements in the Chain of Survival: Check response, seek help, open airway, check breathing, give breaths, check circulation, remove clothing, and attach AED electrodes. These elements are part of guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and other International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) member organizations, which suggest that the highest survival rates from cardiac arrest are attained when all elements of the Chain of Survival are performed.

"Remembering all the elements in the proper order can be difficult for lay rescuers who, of course, are not used to dealing with cardiac arrest," said Steven G. Miller, M.D., the principal investigator and a member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School. "Study participants who used the ZOLL AED Plus, which is designed to support all of the steps in the Chain of Survival, did significantly better than those who used other AEDs. The study suggests AEDs that provide support-prompts to assist with carrying out the steps of the Chain may help to achieve higher survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest."

"These results confirm the impact the ZOLL AED Plus has on resuscitation efforts," said Richard A. Packer, President and Chief Executive Officer of ZOLL. "The ZOLL AED Plus is the only AED that lets rescuers see and hear how well they are performing the rate and depth of chest compressions during CPR. This real-time feedback mechanism is what differentiates the ZOLL AED Plus from other AEDs on the market today and is especially important considering that half of all victims will need well-performed CPR to have a chance to survive. This study shows that it is insufficient to simply focus on 'the shock' when selecting an AED if you are interested in aiding all victims of SCA."

Study Methodology

The study consisted of 45 randomly-assigned participants. They were presented with a scenario designed to resemble what lay rescuers would encounter in a real-life situation. The ZOLL AED Plus was one of four fully-functional defibrillators used. The time since their last CPR training was an average of three years. To eliminate bias due to previous AED training, none of the subjects had prior experience or training with an AED.

Study participants were led into an office setting and told that a person, simulated by a mannequin, had just fallen to the floor, appeared to be unconscious, and could be dying. They were told to use the AED and any other object in the office, and to act as if it were a real emergency. Each person was evaluated based on eight critical actions taken from the Chain of Survival: Check response, seek help, open airway, check breathing, give breaths, check circulation, remove clothing, and attach AED electrodes. Continuous compression depth measurements also were taken during the scenario. The study was directed by Dr. Steven Miller of Harvard Medical School.

To purchase a Zoll AED Plus contact Zoll's US Distributors