Defibrillator FAQ

Why does the defibrillator only advise a shock some of the time?

The AED will only shock two heart rhythms, called ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. There are however other rhythms which are associated with sudden cardiac arrest but these can’t be treated with a defibrillatory shock, in which case the only form of treatment until the ambulance arrives is good quality CPR. This is why the AED Plus® and AED Pro® not only provide a shock but also coach the rescuer in delivering good quality CPR using our Real CPR Help® technology.

What is Real CPR Help?

Real CPR Help®, a technology developed by ZOLL® and incorporated into all our defibrillators, provides real-time feedback to the rescuer on the rate and depth of chest compressions during CPR. This technology is clinically proven to improve the quality of CPR delivered to victims of a cardiac arrest by up to 277%.

What is the life of the batteries?

The batteries supplied with the AED Plus last up to 5 years in standby mode and will provide up to 300-400 shocks from new or 13 hours of continuous monitoring. Replacement batteries can be purchased either through ZOLL or from most retail stores, making them easy to replace when needed.

What is the life of the electrodes and are they re-usable?

The CPR-D-padz® electrodes that are supplied with the AED Plus device have a shelf life of 5 years and are designed to be used only once.

Can the electrodes supplied with the AED Plus and AED Pro be connected to any other defibrillator? For instance those used by the ambulance service?

The electrodes can be connected directly to any other ZOLL defibrillator. If the ambulance service or hospital use equipment manufactured by another source then adapters may be used to connect the ZOLL electrodes to the alternative device.

Can the AED Plus be used by anyone even if they haven’t had any training?

The Resuscitation Council (UK) take the view that an AED can be used safely and effectively without previous training, however where possible, training should always be given. The AED Plus has been designed to provide graphical, written and audible prompts to help the rescuer as much as possible through the resuscitation process.

Is it difficult and costly to maintain the AED Plus?

Once installed, the AED Plus has the lowest total cost of ownership. Unless used, there is nothing to replace or buy for up to 5 years. The AED Plus also carries out regular automated self-tests to ensure a constant state of readiness. If the device detects a fault or the need for battery/electrode replacement, the indicator window will display a red "x" and will be accompanied by an intermittent beep.

The AED Plus is not the cheapest on the market. Why should I choose this device?

There are cheaper devices on the market but they do not provide the same CPR coaching support that the AED Plus offers. So you need to ask the question, "Is good quality CPR important in the survival of a cardiac arrest patient?" Would you and your staff be confident in delivering consistent and good quality CPR over a prolonged period of time – in a stressful rescue situation? To deliver good quality CPR, you need the AED Plus. No other device on the market can provide this level of support.

Can I be held liable?

In the UK there is currently no law that protects bystanders from performing CPR in a cardiac arrest situation. However, legislation was introduced in October 2007, under the Mental Capacity Act, that stipulates if the casualty lacks capacity to make a decision themselves, which would be the case in a cardiac arrest, the rescuer can perform CPR if they believe it is in the best interests of the casualty. To date, there have been no reported cases where a successful claim has been made against a rescuer that has helped resuscitate a casualty in an emergency.

Should AEDs only be used by medical professionals?

AEDs have been designed specifically with lay rescuers in mind. For this reason, the AED Plus includes graphical, written, and audible prompts that guide these rescuers through the full Chain of Survival, helps them perform high-quality CPR, and delivers a shock when necessary. If no shock is advised, CPR is critical in order to pump oxygenated blood around the body to the vital organs until the ambulance arrives and takes over.

What do I do if I have a technical fault with a ZOLL device?

For any technical problems, please contact ZOLL’s UK-based technical service team on 01928 595 163 or techservice-uk@zoll.com.

Why choose First Response? (First Aid) Ltd

First Response (First Aid) Ltd have some of the most amazing trainers out there, and anybody who has had the pleasure of attending any one of the many courses would fully agree with this statement.

Well done, team First Response (First Aid) Ltd and a big thank you goes out to our customers for providing us with so much positive feedback.

Give Us Your Feedback

  • Dear Gareth & Lee, Thank you for the results and feedback. Your service has been exceptional from start to finish. We will be looking to run another course in the next 6-12 months. Kind regards Rebecca

    Rebecca, Horsham, West Sussex Emergency First Aid at Work star star star star star

  • Have been on so many, many first aid courses over the years. Genuinely and by far the highest quality, delivery and fun aspects which help me retain a lot more information.

    Anne, Birmingham Level 3 Paediatric First Aid course star star star star star

  • Can't fault Brian or the course at all. He makes what could be a difficult and complicated course, something alive, engaging and informative. Excellent value for money. Well done Brian!! Keep it up.

    Sam, Solihull First Aid at Work course star star star star star

  • I am writing to offer some feedback around the recent training that Nigel recently received courtesy of SMBC Early Years. Nigel has a training background himself and he came back from the course full of compliments for ‘Glenn' from First Response, he said the trainer was supportive, informative and very professional. He delivered the course at an even pace to cater for the participants learning need, he demonstrated patience when members in the group did not fully understand anything, the occasions for which were in themselves few and far between. The course was enjoyable and he certainly benefited from the updates that it included. We will be recommending your services.

    Amanda, Solihull Paediatric First Aid Training course star star star star star

  • Thank you to Mick our trainer who delivered our first aid training on two Saturdays. He is a credit to your organisation. Mick made the training not only fun but a great learning environment. Thank you for training our team and we will certainly be recommending your training to others. Thank you once again

    Samantha Guy, Paediatric First Aid course star star star star star

  • I attended a first aid course last Saturday at the KEC in Kingshurst, Birmingham. I have worked in the NHS for 14 years and have never received such a fantastically delivered first aid course in all them years. Your tutor "Tom" was professional, encouraging and really supportive throughout the session. The way he delivered the information was really impressive and made everyone on the course feel comfortable enough to ask and answer questions without feeling the embarrassment of being wrong. He also kept the group engaged an interested and eager to have a go at the practical element. I really feel I came home with a really good understanding of areas I haven't had training on before and have a better understanding of the bits I knew. I think this man is credit to your company he is a fantastic tutor, Thank you, One very impressed childminder to be!

    Cath, Birmingham Level 3 Paediatric First Aid course star star star star star

Latest News

Concussion First Aid: Concussion Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery Tips

Discover how to provide concussion first aid, identify symptoms early, and follow key treatment and recovery tips for a safe outcome.

Read More
Choking First Aid: What to Do If Someone Is Choking

Learn what to do if someone is choking. Follow our step-by-step first aid guide for adults, children, and babies — and know when to call for help.

Read More
What to Do When Someone is Having a Seizure

Discover What to Do When Someone is Having a Seizure with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to recognise the signs, provide safe support, and know when to call emergency services.

Read More
Some of Our Clients