ZOLL Medical, an Asahi Kasei Group Company that manufactures medical devices and related software solutions, announced that Health Canada has approved the ZOLL AED 3 and the ZOLL AED 3 BLS (basic life support) automated external defibrillators for marketing and distribution in Canada.

These new AEDs continue ZOLL’s tradition of providing best-in-class AEDs to help improve outcomes for cardiac arrest patients. Both the ZOLL AED 3 and the ZOLL AED 3 BLS empower rescuers with real-time feedback so they know when they are providing effective CPR, a critical component to increasing the patient’s chance of survival.

This enhanced Real CPR Help technology guides rescuers through audio and visual prompts so it is clear when they are providing high-quality chest compressions.

Both ZOLL AED 3 devices have the ability to treat adult and pediatric patients with a single electrode pad. ZOLL’s introduction of the world’s first 5-year universal CPR electrode not only provides enhanced ease of use, but it further improves the total cost of ownership by eliminating the need to purchase separate electrode pads for adults and children.

Using WiFi connectivity, the ZOLL AED 3 can connect to Program Management Onboard™ to enable organizations to remotely manage and monitor device readiness.

The ZOLL AED 3 BLS model is designed specifically for the needs of first responders. This model offers a CPR Dashboard, which shows critical information such as the rate and depth of each compression.

The ZOLL AED 3 BLS is among the fastest AEDs at delivering a shock after each chest compressions period. Since it is WiFi-enabled, first responders can easily export clinical event data and deliver the patient record directly to health care providers, which is a great benefit for the continuation of care.

“We are extremely excited to add the ZOLL AED 3 and the ZOLL AED 3 BLS to our portfolio of automated external defibrillators,” said A. Ernest Whiton, President of ZOLL’s global Resuscitation division.

“With the addition of these new devices, we are able to offer our public access and BLS customers an even more comprehensive line of AEDs and the latest tools to better manage their AEDs’ readiness and access to clinical event data.”

“This next generation of AEDs enhances ZOLL’s portfolio of top-of-the-line defibrillators by continuing to improve real-time CPR feedback and providing even better support for rescuers,” said Elijah White, ZOLL Vice President of Marketing.

“We are pleased to make these lifesaving devices available to both lay and professional rescuers in Canada. Estimates indicate there are at least 1 million deaths globally each year from sudden cardiac arrest.1 In Canada, the annual number of such deaths is approximately 40,000. We are proud to offer products that can help save lives.”

SCA is an abrupt disruption of the heart’s function, which causes a lack of blood flow to vital organs. It is the leading cause of unexpected death in the world and strikes without warning.

When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, only half of the victims will need a shock, but all will require CPR.

Unfortunately, in most countries, survival rates are typically less than 8%; improvements in resuscitation practices could save as many as half of these victims.