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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting failure to initiate or maintain compressions caused by power, LifeBand setup, controls, positioning, or platform operational problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Maintain Continuous CPR
If compressions will not begin or stop unexpectedly during resuscitation, immediately continue manual CPR or use another verified device.
Do not delay compressions while investigating the AutoPulse.
Expected outcome: The patient receives uninterrupted CPR while the suspect device is removed from dependence.
2. Confirm the Exact Failure
Determine whether:
- The compression cycle never starts
- The device begins and stops immediately
- The cycle stops intermittently
- The platform powers off
- The platform remains on but no longer compresses
Record any displayed message or unusual sound exactly as observed without inventing an interpretation.
Expected outcome: The failure is separated into power loss, control failure, LifeBand/mechanical interruption, or another operational condition.
3. Verify Battery Power
Install a known-good charged battery and ensure it is fully seated.
If the original battery is questionable, remove it from service until separately evaluated.
Expected outcome: The platform remains powered steadily. If cycling now operates normally, troubleshoot the original battery separately and stop after functional verification.
4. Inspect the LifeBand
Check for correct LifeBand installation, twisting, folding, visible damage, contamination, and obstruction.
Do not run the device repeatedly with a band that is visibly binding.
Expected outcome: The LifeBand is installed correctly and moves without external obstruction.
5. Verify Platform and Patient-Support Positioning
During a non-patient test, verify the platform and LifeBand are arranged as intended for proper operation and are not obstructed by straps, accessories, linens, or foreign material.
Expected outcome: Nothing external prevents the band or platform from completing its mechanical cycle.
6. Check User Controls
Inspect the start control and other accessible user controls for:
- Physical damage
- Sticking
- Delayed response
- Contamination
- Intermittent operation
Do not attempt internal control-panel repair.
Expected outcome: Controls respond consistently. If the start control remains unreliable, remove the platform from service.
7. Perform a Controlled Non-Patient Functional Check
With a known-good battery and correctly installed LifeBand, perform an approved functional test using appropriate non-patient setup.
Observe whether compression operation starts and continues without interruption.
Expected outcome: The device begins and maintains the compression cycle normally. If the reported failure cannot be reproduced after correcting an external cause, complete return-to-service verification.
8. Check for Movement-Related Interruption
During bench evaluation, observe whether gentle normal handling affects power, controls, or the compression cycle.
Do not intentionally shock, drop, or stress the device.
Expected outcome: Normal handling does not interrupt operation. If movement causes failure, remove the device from service.
9. Escalate Persistent or Intermittent Cycle Failure
Any AutoPulse that unexpectedly stops compressions without a verified external cause should not be returned to clinical use solely because it later passes a single startup attempt.
Expected outcome: The device is removed from service and sent for qualified evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
External causes including battery condition, LifeBand installation, obstruction, controls, and setup have been ruled out.
The remaining problem may involve the drive system, sensing, internal control, power distribution, or another service-level condition. The AutoPulse should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate ZOLL documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired only by qualified personnel
Complete all required functional and return-to-service testing after corrective action.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Unexpected compression interruption is a patient-safety event; transition immediately to manual CPR rather than attempting repeated restarts during active resuscitation.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the AutoPulse began its compression cycle but stopped unexpectedly during a readiness test."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the installed battery was intermittently losing connection because it was not fully seated."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Reseated the battery securely, repeated functional testing, and verified uninterrupted operation through the complete test."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Whether compressions failed to start or stopped after starting
- Whether platform power remained on
- Battery used
- LifeBand condition and installation
- Start-control behavior
- Displayed message
- Abnormal noise
- Movement sensitivity
- Known-good substitutions
- Final functional result
Final Thought
Compression failure requires immediate patient-care backup followed by a disciplined check of power, LifeBand setup, controls, and positioning. Persistent or intermittent stopping is sufficient reason to remove the device from service.
That is successful troubleshooting.