Largest Polish EMS Agency Adds ZOLL's Integrated Automated Compression-Defibrillation System

November 28, 2011

CHELMSFORD, MA-ZOLL Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions, announced today that Wojewódzka Stacja Pogotowia Ratunkowego Szczecin (WSPR Szczecin), the largest emergency service operator in Poland, is equipping its ambulances with a revolutionary new system that allows rescuers to defibrillate without stopping chest compressions for defibrillation. WSPR Szczecin purchased 49 ZOLL AutoPulse® Plus systems and has also started a program to upgrade to the new ZOLL E Series® Monitor/Defibrillator from their current ZOLL M Series® models.

The E Series connects directly to ZOLL AutoPulse Plus. This provides real-time integrated operation of the AutoPulse Plus and the E Series and allows consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions with timed shock delivery. Integrating these two therapeutic interventions into a seamless rescue effort has long been viewed as critical to advancing resuscitation care. Stopping chest compressions during defibrillation results in a rapid fall in coronary perfusion pressure. This feature is not yet available for sale and distribution in the U.S. as it requires FDA 510(k) review and clearance.

According to Roman Palka, Director of WSPR Szczecin, the AutoPulse was selected after a 12-month trial over another automated chest compression device because of the users’ positive experiences. The load-distributed chest compressions reduced chest injuries and the AutoPulse enables the transport of patients without the need to stop CPR.

“A rescue is not a place for compromise, and our main goals are the delivery of high-quality, effective services and improving outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest. This integrated approach demonstrates that we have the ability to maximize the likelihood of shock success and minimize no flow time,” Palka said.

He explained further that the Autopulse Plus solves the problem of performing effective CPR in the back of an ambulance with only two medics on board. “When we had to reduce ambulance staff from three to two people, we needed to look for new solutions that allowed us to maintain a high quality of rescue service, despite fewer human resources.”

“Without the AutoPulse, CPR is extremely exhausting, and calling for help from a second EMS team requires time and money,” he said. “Another important advantage of the AutoPulse is the opportunity to simultaneously transport patients to the cath lab during CPR, which was not possible with manual CPR. All of our teams that use the AutoPulse cannot imagine their everyday job without having the device available.”

By monitoring vital signs such as SpO2, BP, and EtCO2, WSPR Szczecin observed much more effective CPR with the AutoPulse than was achievable with manual compressions. “Our rescuers experienced a significant increase in safety while treating patients. They could attend to other life-saving procedures and had the ability to analyze a patient’s condition without experiencing the fatigue resulting from performing chest compressions,” Palka said.

About the Automated Compression-Defibrillation System
Like the AutoPulse, the AutoPulse Plus helps provide the consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions called for by the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines. It is an automated, portable device with an easy-to-use, load-distributing LifeBand® that squeezes the entire chest, improving blood flow to the heart and brain during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).