Zoll AutoPulse Non-Invasive Cardiac Support Pump Achieves 75 Percent ROSC Rate in Patients During the First Three Weeks

February 11, 2015 — Zoll Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions, announced that RAV Gelderland-Midden in the Netherlands has equipped its fleet of 20 ambulances with the Zoll AutoPulse Non-invasive Cardiac Support Pump.

During the first three weeks of implementation, RAV Gelderland-Midden treated 20 patients for sudden cardiac arrest, with 15 of them experiencing return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

According to Arjan de Kreek, the nurse practitioner of emergency medical care who headed the project, RAV Gelderland-Midden studied all the clinical literature on mechanical CPR devices and found that only the AutoPulse has shown to have clinical benefits in comparative human trials.

“RAV Gelderland-Midden works in close harmony with surrounding hospitals in cities such as Arnhem, Nijmegen and Ede. All of our counterparts use the AutoPulse,” de Kreek explained. “The AutoPulse in this region is used by first responders, ambulances, emergency departments and cath labs.”

De Kreek developed a training video on the AutoPulse that is used by all paramedics and the fire department. The video, along with hands-on training and the e-learning module ZOLL provides, instructs emergency personnel on how to use the device.

For RAV Gelderland-Midden, the flat design of the AutoPulse makes it possible to store the units aboard the agency’s Sprinter rescue vehicles in an ergonomic way. Paramedics can carry the AutoPulse as a backpack.

“In addition to rapid deployment with the AutoPulse, running a code with just two paramedics would not be a problem, since the device gives compressions, allowing the rescuers to take care of other interventions,” said paramedic Roy Rosmulder.

The AutoPulse is the only mechanical CPR system to have shown improved outcomes in comparative clinical trials. In a meta-analysis of 12 comparative clinical trials, the AutoPulse improved the odds of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) by 62% compared to manual CPR. The CIRC trial, the largest prospective, randomized trial of mechanical chest compression ever completed, confirmed that the AutoPulse is equivalent to high-quality manual CPR for survival to hospital discharge.

For more information: www.zoll.com