Automated external defibrillators can double a victim’s chances of survival when used within minutes of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Some of the most popular defibrillators—particularly for use by EMS—are those in Physio-Control LIFEPAK and ZOLL product lines. Here, we compare defibrillator models from these two leading names to help you make an informed decision.
Zoll vs LIFEPAK Comparison Chart
The main differences between ZOLL and LIFEPAK AEDs are the warranty length (LIFEPAK devices have a slightly longer warranty) and the prompt type. Most LIFEPAK devices rely on voice coaching while ZOLL devices combine voice coaching with an LED display.
| Physio-Control Lifepak CR2 | Physio-Control Lifepak CR2 USB | ZOLL AED Pro | ZOLL AED Plus | ZOLL AED 3 | |
| Weight | 4.5lbs (2.0kg) | 4.5lbs (2.0kg) | 6.5lbs (3.1kg) | 6.7lbs (3.1kg) | 5.5lbs (2.5kg) |
| Prompt Type | Voice | Voice | Voice + LED | Voice + LED | Voice + LED |
| Operating Mode | Semi-automatic or fully-automatic | Semi-automatic or fully-automatic | Semi-auto, semi-auto + manual, manual | Semi-automatic or fully-automatic | Semi-automatic or fully-automatic |
| Warranty | 8 years | 8 years | 7 years | 7 years | 7 years |
| ECG Display | No | No | YES | No | No |
| Child Options | Child mode | Child mode | Child pads (sold separately) | Child pads (sold separately) | Child mode |
| Languages | English Spanish | Optional bilingual mode | English | English | English |
| Wi-Fi | YES | No | No | No | YES |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IP55 | IP55 | IP55 | IP55 |
| Price | From $1,895 | From $1,795 | From $2,895 | From $1,699 | From $1,895 |
Introduction to Physio-Control LIFEPAK
Physio-Control was founded in 1955 by Dr. Karl William Edmark as a pioneering manufacturer of automated CPR and emergency defibrillation equipment. In 2016, Physio-Control was acquired by Stryker Corporation. The LIFEPAK external defibrillators from Physio-Control/Stryker are known for being intuitive and easy to use and are the most popular devices used by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in cardiac arrest situations today.
Features of the LIFEPAK CR2 Series Defibrillators
- Metronome for chest compressions
- Child mode
- Bilingual capabilities
- Wi-Fi and USB options for sending event data to the attending hospital
- Rugged construction (IP rating of 55 for protection against dust and water)
- ClearVoice (TM) technology adjusts the volume automatically to account for background noise
- cprINSIGHT (TM) analysis allows chest compressions to continue while the device analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm
Pros
The LIFEPAK CR2 defibrillator models offer excellent accessibility with a built-in child mode and bilingual capabilities. Because no separate pediatric pads are required, these units are ideal for schools, sports clubs, and churches where a cardiac arrest patient could either be an adult or a child.
The bilingual capabilities also make these medical devices ideal for institutions and workplaces where more than one language is spoken.
Cons
LIFEPAK AEDs cost a bit more than some of the other brands, but it’s worth noting that they also boast some of the most sophisticated features. You’re paying for the same types of technologies relied upon by medical professionals.
In some cases, LIFEPAK defibrillators may require battery replacement after a single-use. It’s especially important with the LIFEPAK 1000 to remove and check the battery manually and have a spare, fully charged battery on hand as indicated in the user manual. Leaving the same battery in for too long and failing to check the remaining battery power could result in device failure when you need to deliver a defibrillation shock.
LIFEPAK User Reviews…
“I really appreciate how easy and intuitive the whole thing is.” – Jackson Easdon, review of the LIFEPAK CR2
“Having used the Zoll and the LIFEPAK, I’m all for the LIFEPAK because of ease of use and durability. If durability is a concern for you, LIFEPAK should lead the way.”- talldrseuss, NYC 911 medic
Introduction to ZOLL
ZOLL was co-founded in 1980 by Paul Zoll, a cardiologist who is known as the father of modern cardiac therapy. Based on nearly 30 years of groundbreaking experimentation by Zoll, the brand’s defibrillators continue to raise the bar today. AED Leader is proud to be a leading authorized retailer of ZOLL AEDs.
Features
- LED display with a high image quality
- Timer for chest compressions
- Real-time cardiopulmonary resuscitation feedback
- Rugged construction (IP rating 155 against dust and water)
- Child mode or child electrodes (depending on the model)
In addition to the above-mentioned features, the ZOLL 3 has ECG monitoring capabilities and an easy-to-use child mode option. The event data can be sent via Wi-Fi to the relevant medical facilities.
Pros
According to professionals who have used ZOLL AEDs, the battery life of these devices is simply unmatched.
In addition, ZOLL’s CPR feedback technology is some of the most intuitive available, providing users with customized coaching based on both the rate and depth of chest compressions.
Perhaps best of all, ZOLL has a device for every skill level. There are models tailored toward the lay user, and there are enhanced models tailored toward medical professionals. Whatever you’re looking for, ZOLL has you covered.
Cons
The innovative CPR-D padz used by ZOLL can be confusing and intimidating to a lay rescuer.
The audible metronome of the ZOLL AED plus can also be confusing as it is designed to ‘lead’ a responder to the correct rate.
The large size and weight can prevent it from fitting in smaller cabinets or enclosures and can be bulkier and heavier for carrying to an emergency.
ZOLL User Reviews…
“I cannot recommend this AED highly enough.” – Tina Mallett, review of ZOLL Plus
“Great AED. Five stars.” Don Guest, review of ZOLL Plus
“It […] offers way more features than my old AED. I really love the automatic shock option, and the CPR feature is a nice addition.” – Bryan Franco, review of ZOLL Plus
“They are so simple to use and the batteries last forever” – lightsandsirens5, EMT Life about the ZOLL 300 series
“the ZOLL is half the weight, which is a big bonus” (compared to LP15) – frantic_waver, MI paramedic, unspecified model
Still Deciding Between ZOLL vs. LIFEPAK for External Defibrillation?
Both LIFEPAK and ZOLL AEDs are suitable for professional and lay use. Based on our comparison of AEDs, we recommend LIFEPAK defibrillators for use in institutions or community centers where the device’s accessibility features would be a clear plus.
In contrast, ZOLL defibrillators are ideal for use in locations that may lose access for long periods of time, such as on oil rigs or in service vehicles that travel to rural locations for extended periods. They are also ideal for anyone who values the support in providing high-quality CPR and/or medical professionals who are confident in their CPR technique and would prefer to turn the voice instructions off.
Weigh the pros and cons for yourself, and decide which type is right for you. In either case, you can’t go wrong.