ZOLL AED Plus

Asset Type

Defibrillator

Manufacturer

ZOLL

Model

AED Plus

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshooting delayed, interrupted, or incomplete ECG analysis caused by electrode contact, patient movement, environmental interference, connections, batteries, or device faults.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Patient Safety First

Do not perform extended troubleshooting while the AED Plus is required for an active resuscitation.

If ECG analysis will not begin or repeatedly stops during patient care:

• Continue CPR when instructed by the clinical response protocol.
• Obtain another verified AED or defibrillator immediately.
• Do not delay rhythm assessment or clinically indicated defibrillation while repeatedly testing the affected AED.
• Transfer care to the replacement device as soon as it is available.

Expected outcome: Patient care continues without depending on an AED whose rhythm-analysis function is uncertain.

Continue Clinical Engineering troubleshooting only after the AED Plus has been removed from active patient use.

2. Record the Exact Analysis Behavior

Power on the AED in a controlled, nonclinical setting and document:

• Whether normal voice and visual prompts begin
• Whether the device recognizes that electrodes are connected
• Whether it repeatedly prompts to attach or check electrodes
• Whether “Analyzing” begins and then stops
• Whether a “Do Not Touch Patient” or motion-related prompt occurs
• Whether the device restarts, shuts down, or displays a red X
• Any beeping, error message, or abnormal indicator

Expected outcome: The complaint is narrowed to an electrode-recognition, signal-quality, power, interference, or internal device problem.

If the AED displays a red X, continuously beeps, or reports a service condition, stop troubleshooting and remove it from service. ZOLL states that an AED Plus showing a red X or emitting a beeping tone should not be placed in service.

3. Check the Status Indicator and Physical Condition

Inspect the AED Plus before connecting test accessories.

Verify that:

• The readiness indicator displays the green check
• The enclosure is not cracked, wet, crushed, or contaminated
• No loose components are heard inside the housing
• The electrode connector and cable receptacle are clean and undamaged
• There is no unusual heat, odor, corrosion, or evidence of liquid intrusion

Expected outcome: The AED appears externally intact and has passed its most recent self-test.

A red X, physical damage, liquid intrusion, unusual heat, or burnt odor requires immediate removal from service.

4. Verify the Electrode Connection

Confirm that the electrode cable connector is fully seated in the AED Plus.

Inspect the connector for:

• Partial insertion
• Bent, recessed, contaminated, or damaged contacts
• Cracked connector housing
• Pinched, cut, stretched, or exposed cable conductors
• Strain damage where the cable enters the connector or electrode package

Disconnect and reconnect the electrode connector only when the device is not attached to a patient.

Expected outcome: The connector seats securely and the AED no longer gives an attach-electrodes prompt.

If reseating the connector resolves the problem, complete functional verification and stop.

5. Confirm Electrode Compatibility and Condition

Check that the connected electrodes are approved for the AED Plus and appropriate for the intended patient category.

Verify that the electrode package is:

• Unopened before use
• Within its expiration date
• Dry and undamaged
• Not previously applied or used
• Free of punctures, tears, or crushed areas

Do not test clinical readiness using expired, opened, dried, or damaged electrodes.

Expected outcome: A compatible electrode set of known condition is available for evaluation.

6. Substitute a Known-Good Electrode Set

Using an approved simulator or manufacturer-compatible test arrangement, connect a known-good, in-date electrode set.

Do not repeatedly open clinical electrode packages solely for troubleshooting unless permitted by facility procedure.

Observe whether the AED:

• Recognizes the electrodes
• Advances to rhythm analysis
• Completes the analysis cycle
• Provides the expected shock-advised or no-shock-advised result from the simulator

Expected outcome: Analysis completes normally with the known-good electrode set.

If the replacement electrodes resolve the problem, replace the defective or questionable electrode set, document the lot and expiration information, and stop.

7. Verify Electrode Contact Conditions

When reviewing a reported clinical event, determine whether the original electrodes were applied to:

• Clean, dry, bare skin
• The correct anatomical positions
• A chest without excessive hair beneath the adhesive area
• Skin free of lotion, medication patches, moisture, or heavy contamination
• Areas away from implanted-device prominence when practical

Poor adhesion or high electrode impedance can prevent the AED from obtaining a usable ECG signal. ZOLL directs users to apply fresh, undamaged, in-date electrodes to clean, dry skin.

Expected outcome: External contact conditions are confirmed or identified as the likely cause.

8. Eliminate Motion During Analysis

Confirm that no one is:

• Performing chest compressions
• Touching or moving the patient
• Moving the stretcher, bed, or transport vehicle
• Adjusting the electrodes or cables
• Using powered equipment that causes patient movement

The AED Plus requires the patient to remain as motionless as possible during ECG analysis.

Expected outcome: Analysis completes when motion and handling stop.

If eliminating motion resolves the issue, no device repair may be necessary. Document the event as motion artifact and verify normal operation before return to service.

9. Remove Environmental Electrical Interference

Move the AED and test setup away from possible interference sources, including:

• Two-way radios
• High-power radio transmitters
• Cellular devices placed directly beside the AED
• Electrosurgical equipment
• Powered beds or transport systems
• Damaged extension cords or power equipment
• Other electronic devices connected to the simulated patient circuit

ZOLL warns that high-power radio-frequency sources may cause incorrect rhythm interpretation and advises turning off nearby cellular phones and two-way radios when interference is suspected.

Expected outcome: The ECG signal stabilizes and analysis completes without repeated interruption.

10. Check the Battery Installation and Condition

Inspect the AED Plus battery compartment according to facility procedures.

Verify that:

• All required batteries are installed
• Batteries are the correct approved type
• All batteries are from the same replacement set
• Battery contacts are clean and free of corrosion
• No battery is swollen, leaking, reversed, or physically damaged
• The battery compartment closes securely

Do not mix old and new batteries.

Expected outcome: The AED powers consistently without dim prompts, restarts, shutdowns, or low-battery indications.

If battery condition is questionable, replace the complete battery set according to the approved maintenance procedure and repeat the functional check.

11. Perform a Controlled Functional Test

Using an approved AED analyzer or ECG simulator:

• Connect the compatible test load or electrode adapter.
• Power on the AED Plus.
• Allow it to recognize the simulated patient connection.
• Select a stable test rhythm.
• Confirm that analysis starts without repeated electrode prompts.
• Verify that the AED completes analysis and produces the correct rhythm decision.
• Repeat with a second appropriate simulated rhythm when required by facility procedure.

Do not discharge the AED without an approved analyzer or test load.

Expected outcome: The AED consistently completes analysis and correctly classifies the supplied test rhythms.

If analysis remains intermittent or fails with known-good accessories and a stable simulator signal, suspect an internal acquisition, connector, processing, or power-related fault.

12. Verify Final Readiness

After corrective action:

• Confirm successful startup
• Confirm the green readiness indicator
• Verify electrode recognition
• Complete the facility’s functional and safety checks
• Install an unopened, compatible, in-date clinical electrode package
• Confirm the battery compartment and enclosure are secure
• Return the AED to service only when all required tests pass

Expected outcome: The AED is fully operational, properly stocked, and ready for emergency deployment.

If the Problem Persists

If ECG analysis still will not start or complete after known-good electrodes, secure connections, stable simulator input, adequate batteries, and interference controls have been verified, common external causes have been ruled out.

The problem may involve the electrode receptacle, ECG acquisition circuitry, signal-processing system, power circuitry, or another internal fault.

The AED should be:

• Removed from service
• Labeled Out of Service
• Replaced with a verified AED
• Sent for qualified repair or bench evaluation
• Repaired only through an approved service process

Do not open the enclosure or attempt internal board-level repair. ZOLL warns against disassembling the AED Plus and directs servicing to qualified personnel.

Knowing when to stop and escalate is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot failed ECG analysis on an active patient beyond immediate electrode, motion, and connection checks. Continue CPR and move promptly to another verified defibrillator.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the ZOLL AED Plus repeatedly announced electrode prompts and would not complete ECG rhythm analysis."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Inspection found an intermittently open electrode cable near the connector, preventing the AED from receiving a stable simulated ECG signal."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed the damaged electrodes, installed a new compatible electrode set, verified successful analysis using an AED analyzer, confirmed the green readiness indicator, and returned the unit to service."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Status indicator condition
• Exact voice or visual prompt
• Whether analysis started or stopped
• Electrode type, lot, and expiration date
• Electrode connector condition
• Known-good electrodes tested
• AED analyzer or simulator used
• Simulated rhythms and analysis results
• Patient or stretcher movement reported
• Nearby radio-frequency or electrical equipment
• Battery condition or replacement date
• Unusual sounds, heat, smell, or damage
• Final device status

Final Thought

An incomplete ECG analysis must be treated as a potential loss of defibrillation readiness. Begin with patient safety, then logically verify electrodes, contact quality, motion, interference, power, and simulator performance. Escalate the AED when stable analysis cannot be confirmed, and document the complaint, cause, testing, and final disposition clearly.

That is successful troubleshooting.