How to use the Zoll AED Plus
The ZOLL AED Plus is a fully automatic defibrillator designed to guide even untrained bystanders through a cardiac emergency. It provides clear visual and voice prompts at every stage of use, ensuring that critical steps are not missed.
Unlike some devices, it also gives real-time feedback on chest compressions, helping rescuers maintain correct depth and pace during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
This combination of step-by-step guidance and CPR feedback makes the ZOLL AED Plus a practical choice for workplaces, schools, and public spaces. It is designed so that anyone, regardless of prior training, can use it effectively while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Contents
Step 1: Turn On and Follow Prompts
When you reach the casualty, remove the lid of the ZOLL AED Plus and turn the device on. The unit activates immediately, giving loud and clear voice prompts. A red light also flashes on the display to highlight the step you should focus on.
The prompts are designed to guide you through the process without hesitation. By following the spoken instructions and visual indicators, you can stay on track even in a stressful situation.
Step 2: Check Responsiveness and Call for Help
Before attaching the defibrillator, check if the casualty is responsive. Gently shake their shoulders and ask loudly if they can hear you. If there is no response, shout for help and call the emergency services immediately.
In many cases, these steps may already have been done before the defibrillator arrives. However, if not, it is important to complete them straight away. Quick recognition of cardiac arrest and early access to a defibrillator are vital to survival.
Step 3: Open the Airway and Check Breathing
Once you have confirmed that the casualty is unresponsive, ensure their airway is open. Tilt the head back and lift the chin to prevent the tongue from blocking airflow.
Next, check for normal breathing. Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek. This should take no more than ten seconds. If the casualty is not breathing normally, the ZOLL AED Plus will guide you through the next steps of attaching the pads and preparing for analysis.
Step 4: Attach the Defibrillator Pads
Expose the casualty’s chest so the pads can make full contact with the skin. Use the scissors provided in the ZOLL AED Plus kit to cut away clothing if needed.
Open the electrode pad pack and place the pads on the chest as shown in the diagrams printed on them. One pad goes on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone. The other pad is placed on the lower left side of the chest, just below the armpit.
Correct pad placement is essential for the device to analyse the heart rhythm accurately and deliver an effective shock if required.
Step 5: Allow the Device to Analyse the Heart Rhythm
Once the pads are attached, the ZOLL AED Plus will automatically begin to analyse the casualty’s heart rhythm. At this stage, it is vital that nobody touches the casualty. Movement or contact can interfere with the reading and prevent the device from assessing the rhythm correctly.
The AED will clearly announce when it is analysing and when it has finished. It will then advise whether a shock is required. Always follow the voice prompts and visual signals to ensure the process is safe and effective.
Step 6: Deliver a Shock if Advised
If the ZOLL AED Plus detects a shockable heart rhythm, it will instruct you to press the flashing red shock button. Make sure no one is touching the casualty before pressing it. The device will deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm.
If no shock is advised, the AED will move straight to the next stage and guide you to begin CPR. The device always makes it clear whether a shock is needed, so there is no decision-making required from the rescuer.
Step 7: Begin CPR with Device Guidance
After the shock, or if no shock is advised, the ZOLL AED Plus will instruct you to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the casualty’s chest, put your other hand on top, and interlock your fingers.
Push down hard and fast, keeping your arms straight. The ZOLL AED Plus gives real-time feedback on your compressions, telling you whether you need to push harder or adjust your speed. This feature helps you maintain effective chest compressions throughout.
Continue CPR as instructed until the device tells you to stand clear for another rhythm check, or until emergency services take over.
Step 8: Continue Until Emergency Help Arrives
Keep following the ZOLL AED Plus prompts. The device will guide you through cycles of CPR and heart rhythm analysis. Stay with the casualty at all times and do not stop unless:
Emergency medical teams arrive and take over
The casualty shows clear signs of recovery, such as normal breathing
You are physically unable to continue
The AED ensures that life-saving efforts are maintained consistently until professional help is available.
Did You Know?
Survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest decrease by an estimated 7–10% for every minute without defibrillation [British Heart Foundation]. Having a defibrillator such as the ZOLL AED Plus nearby, and using it quickly, can significantly increase the chance of survival before emergency services arrive.
Human Observation
In many public places, defibrillator cabinets are highly visible, but in busy environments such as offices or schools, they can sometimes be overlooked. Clear signage and regular awareness sessions help ensure that staff know exactly where the ZOLL AED Plus is located and feel confident using it in an emergency.
Sources
St. John Ambulance – How to use the ZOLL AED Plus
A concise demonstration video showing step-by-step how to use the ZOLL AED Plus during an emergency.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlAceUpe4TM&ab_channel=St.JohnAmbulanceBritishColumbiaandYukon
ZOLL AED Plus product overview (ZOLL official)
Explains the device features such as real-time audio/visual CPR feedback, rugged design, long-life consumables, and uncomplicated guidance for rescuers.
https://www.zoll.com/en-us/products/emergency-care/aeds/aed-plus
ZOLL AED Plus Administrator’s Guide (via FDA / AccessData)
Technical and operational details including voice prompts, CPR feedback (Real CPR Help), pad detection, rhythm analysis, and defibrillation protocols.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf16/P160015C.pdf
ZOLL AED Plus Operator’s Guide (User manual)
Provides safety warnings, battery and electrode usage instructions, maintenance guidelines, and setup procedures.
https://www.aed.com/media/Zoll-AED-Plus-Operators-Guide.pdf
Step-by-step AED usage tips (ZOLL website)
Offers practical instructions such as drying the chest, attaching pads according to prompts, and removing medication patches or jewelry.
https://www.zoll.com/en-us/other-resources-and-links/how-to-use-an-aed
