AED Guides

Long-Life Accessories and Low Maintenance: Understanding AED Ownership Costs

Automated external defibrillators are investments in safety. While the initial purchase price varies, the total cost of ownership depends on pad and battery life, maintenance requirements and the availability of consumables. Many organisations learn that cheaper AEDs become more expensive over time due to frequent replacement of consumables or difficulty sourcing parts. Understanding these factors helps buyers make informed decisions.

 

Consumable Life: Five Years vs. Two

One of the biggest cost drivers is how often the pads and batteries need replacement. ZOLL’s AED Plus and AED 3 use pads and batteries that last five years. In contrast, many competing devices require new pads and batteries every two to four years. Over a ten-year period the longer life cycle of ZOLL consumables translates to fewer purchases and lower maintenance costs.

 

Batteries also matter. ZOLL’s AED Plus uses off-the-shelf lithium camera batteries (Duracell 123A), which are inexpensive and readily available. Cheaper AEDs sometimes use proprietary battery packs that are more expensive and harder to source, creating hidden costs and downtime.

 

Self-Testing and Program Management

An AED must be ready at all times. ZOLL models such as the ZOLL AED Plus and ZOLL AED 3 perform automatic self-testing of pads, batteries and internal circuitry. This ensures that any issues are flagged before an emergency. The devices also integrate with management software like PlusTrac™, which helps track pad and battery expiration dates, monitor responder certification and maintain compliance.

 

Ruggedness and Environmental Resistance

New Zealand’s environments range from humid coastlines to dusty worksites. A durable defibrillator is essential. ZOLL AEDs have an IP55 ingress protection rating, meaning they resist dust and water. Cheap units may not offer similar protection, leading to damage or failure in harsh conditions.

 

The Real Cost of Cheap AEDs

While a low-priced defibrillator may appear attractive, frequent pad and battery replacements, limited warranties and poor support quickly add up. Cheaper devices might also be subject to recalls or consumable shortages. When calculating value, consider the cost of consumables over the device’s lifespan and the consequences of downtime.

Investing in a quality AED with long-life accessories ensures readiness and minimises total cost of ownership.

 

Choosing the Right AED: Regulatory Approval, Safety Standards and What to Look For

Selecting an automated external defibrillator requires more than comparing price tags. Buyers in New Zealand must ensure that the device meets regulatory standards and includes features that maximise the chance of survival. Here’s what to consider:

 

Regulatory Approval

• FDA Approval: AEDs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have undergone rigorous testing and certification to prove that they perform as advertised.
• MedSafe Certification: MedSafe is New Zealand’s Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. Certification confirms that the AED meets local safety standards.
• TGA Approval: Devices approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration meet international safety criteria. Since many AEDs sold in New Zealand are also marketed in Australia, TGA approval provides another layer of assurance.

Choosing a device without recognised approval is risky. Unapproved products may not perform reliably, and they could violate import regulations.

 

Essential Features

• Voice and visual prompts: The AED should guide rescuers through each step with clear audio instructions and visual icons. Visual cues are especially important in noisy environments.
• Real-time CPR feedback: Devices like the ZOLL AED Plus provide verbal and visual feedback on compression depth and rate, helping even inexperienced responders deliver effective CPR.
• Self-testing: Automatic self-checks of pads, batteries and circuitry ensure the device is ready to use.
• Durability: Look for an IP rating of 55 or higher, indicating resistance to dust and water.
• Pediatric capability: If children may need treatment, choose an AED with a pediatric mode or specialised pads.

Cost vs. Value

While cost is a factor, don’t sacrifice life-saving features for a lower price. Cheaper devices often lack real-time CPR feedback and may have short consumable life, increasing long-term costs. Ensure that replacement pads and batteries are readily available and affordable. Consider the warranty and whether the supplier offers ongoing support.

 

Compliance and Duty of Care

Employers in New Zealand have a duty to provide appropriate first-aid facilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. WorkSafe New Zealand recommends having an AED on-site when ambulance response may be delayed or when specific risks exist. Investing in a reliable AED not only supports compliance but also demonstrates a commitment to staff and visitor safety.

 

Choosing the right AED involves balancing cost, compliance and features. By prioritising regulatory approval and essential life-saving technologies, buyers can select a device that will perform when it matters most.

 

When investing in an automated external defibrillator, you want a device that stays ready without constant oversight and expensive yearly servicing plans.

 

The ZOLL AED Plus leads the market with long battery and pad life and robust self‑testing.

Battery Life

• The AED Plus uses ten lithium batteries that typically last five years or 225 shocks, longer than many competitors.
• Batteries can provide up to 13 hours of continuous monitoring, ensuring the device remains powered throughout prolonged emergencies.
• The batteries are a consumer grade Duracel CR123 lithium battery, making them readily available from us, or from electronics stores – don’t get stuck with a competitor’s AED who cannot source replacement batteries for you (yes we’ve heard this happen many times!)

Electrode Pad Life

• The AED Plus’ adult CPR D-Padz electrodes have a 5 year life. Like all AEDs, the pads are a one-time use item and must be replaced once opened and used in a rescue.

Self‑Testing Features

• A configurable automatic self‑test runs every one to seven days and performs a monthly full‑energy discharge
• The tests verify battery capacity, electrode connection, ECG circuitry, CPR circuitry and audio systems
• A simple “Red X” indicator alerts owners when service is needed, eliminating guesswork.

Maintenance Best Practices

• Check status regularly – a quick glance at the status window tells you if the AED is ready.
• Replace batteries and pads on schedule – the long life of ZOLL components means fewer replacements, but mark calendar reminders to ensure compliance.
• Store in a visible, accessible place – proper placement and signage reduce response time.

Key Benefits of the ZOLL AED Plus

• Industry‑leading battery life – five‑year battery and pad life minimises downtime and costs.
• Comprehensive self‑testing – automatic diagnostics keep the device reliable without manual checks.
• Low cost of ownership – fewer consumables and replacements save money over the device’s life.

 

 

 

Not all defibrillators are the same. Research shows that survival from sudden cardiac arrest more than doubles when emergency medical providers use ZOLL defibrillators with CPR feedback technology and scenario-based training. High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical: each minute without proper CPR and defibrillation reduces survival by 10 percent. ZOLL’s Real CPR Help® technology guides rescuers to deliver effective compressions and improves outcomes.

 

Why High-Quality CPR Matters

While only half of SCA victims initially require a shock, all require effective CPR. Traditional defibrillators deliver a shock but do little to assist the rescuer. ZOLL devices bridge this gap by providing real-time feedback on compression depth and rate. Visual displays and voice prompts tell rescuers to “push harder” or confirm when compressions are adequate, ensuring high-quality CPR even for untrained bystanders.

 

Features of Real CPR Help

• Compression depth indicator: Real-time visual guidance shows whether compressions meet the recommended depth.
• Adaptive metronome: An audible metronome guides rescuers to provide compressions at an adequate rate.
• Full-colour touchscreen: On models like the ZOLL AED 3, step-by-step instructions appear on a bright screen, making the device user-friendly.
• Rapid shock analysis: ZOLL AEDs minimise the time between CPR and defibrillation, reducing interruptions.
• Automatic self-testing: Models such as the ZOLL AED 3 and ZOLL AED Plus perform regular tests of pads, batteries and circuitry, ensuring the device is rescue-ready.

These features are designed to support lay rescuers in high-stress situations. ZOLL’s CPR-D-padz electrodes feature a one-piece design for easy and accurate placement, and they come with a rescue kit containing scissors, gloves and a mask for efficiency. The devices are built with IP55-rated ruggedness and long-life batteries and pads that last five years.

 

Proven Impact on Survival

A study reported that using ZOLL defibrillators with Real CPR Help® more than doubled survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The combination of real-time feedback and proper training enabled rescuers to apply the proper rate and depth of compressions, deliver timely shocks and maximise survival odds. By transforming bystanders into effective responders, ZOLL’s technology bridges the gap between sudden collapse and professional medical care.

 

Choosing a defibrillator with CPR feedback is not just about technology, it is about giving bystanders the confidence and guidance to act quickly. When lives are at stake, real-time feedback can make all the difference.

 

We recommend the ZOLL AED Plus Defibrillator:

 

Why Every New Zealand Workplace and Home Should Have a High-Quality AED

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes without warning and is one of the leading causes of death in New Zealand. More than 1,500 Kiwis suffer SCA each year. Survival declines by about 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. Having an automated external defibrillator nearby dramatically increases the chance of survival.

 

Rapid Response Saves Lives

In many parts of New Zealand, emergency services may take several minutes to arrive. An AED allows bystanders to deliver a life-saving shock within the crucial first minutes. Modern devices are designed to be used by anyone; they provide step-by-step voice instructions and visual prompts so even untrained individuals can respond confidently.

 

Legal Protection and Ease of Use

New Zealand’s Good Samaritan law protects people who use AEDs in emergencies. This means you cannot be prosecuted for acting in good faith. AEDs are easy to maintain—most units perform regular self-checks and will alert you when pads or batteries need replacement. Long-life consumables and self-testing features keep the device rescue-ready with minimal effort.

 

Compliance and Workplace Safety

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act employers are expected to provide appropriate first-aid equipment. WorkSafe’s guidance notes that organisations should consider having an AED if ambulance response might be delayed or if electrical hazards are present. Equipping a workplace with a reliable AED demonstrates a commitment to staff welfare and may reduce liability.

 

Why Choose a High-Quality AED

• Reliability: ZOLL AEDs undergo rigorous testing; each device delivers up to 200 shocks before leaving the factory.
• Long-life consumables: Five-year pads and batteries reduce ongoing costs.
• Real-time CPR feedback: Features like Real CPR Help guide rescuers to provide effective compressions.
• Durability: IP55-rated devices resist dust and moisture.

A low-cost AED may appear attractive, but unapproved devices can be unreliable, and consumables may be hard to source. Some cheap units have been subject to large recalls due to defects that could cause device failure. Investing in a high-quality AED protects your family, staff and visitors and offers peace of mind.

 

Taking Action

Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere—in an office, at home, on a sports field or at a construction site. By installing a reliable AED and ensuring people know where it is and how to use it, you dramatically improve the odds of saving a life. To learn more about ZOLL AEDs and how they can fit into your safety plan, contact our team today. Together we can make New Zealand workplaces and homes heart-safe.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap AEDs: Why Quality Matters for Life-Saving Devices

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death. Every minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by about 10 percent. In an emergency there is no second chance, which makes the reliability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) critical.

 

Recent recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of defibrillators highlight the risks of buying untested or cheap units. In 2025, Stryker recalled nearly 200,000 HeartSine Samaritan AEDs because a circuit board defect could cause total device failure during a rescue. Owners were advised to remove affected devices from service immediately. Even units not covered by this recall faced problems because the single-use pad-pak cartridges were on manufacturing halt until late 2025, leaving an estimated 300,000 devices without replacement pads.

 

Buying a cheap, unapproved defibrillator, such as those manufactured in China, may seem cost-effective up front, but the long-term cost and risk are significant.

 

Low-cost AEDs often lack features that improve survival such as real-time CPR feedback, and the consumables often need replacement sooner. Many imported devices also lack regulatory approval. In New Zealand, buyers should ensure their defibrillator is FDA-approved, certified by MedSafe, and listed with Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These certifications indicate rigorous testing and show the device will perform as claimed.

 

Comparing Quality vs. Cheap AEDs

Factor	Quality AED (e.g., ZOLL AED Plus)	Cheap/Untested AED
Regulatory approvals	FDA-approved, MedSafe-certified, meets TGA standards	Often lacks recognised approvals or uses unverified claims
Pad & battery life	Five-year pad and battery life, fewer replacements	Pads and batteries often require replacement every 2–4 years
Testing	Rigorous factory testing, up to 200 shocks before leaving the factory	Unknown testing standards and no published performance data
Features	Real-time CPR feedback, clear voice and visual prompts	Basic shock delivery, often lacks feedback features
Long-term cost	Lower cost of ownership due to longer consumable life and minimal servicing	Frequent pad and battery replacements, potential recall costs
Availability of consumables	Pads and batteries readily available and shipped quickly	Replacement consumables may be hard to source

Why Quality Matters

A low-cost defibrillator that fails during a rescue or lacks replacement pads is not just a bad investment; it is a liability that could cost a life. Choosing a reputable brand such as ZOLL ensures the device has undergone extensive testing and comes with ongoing support. ZOLL’s pads and batteries have a five-year life cycle, which means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance. Their devices are built to withstand harsh environments, with ingress-protection ratings such as IP55 to resist dust and moisture, and feature advanced life-saving technology such as Real CPR Help – to ensure CPR is being performed correctly, clinically proven to increase the chance of survival significantly.

 

Before purchasing an AED, consider the hidden costs of cheap units: unapproved devices may not perform when needed; replacement parts may be unavailable; and recalls can leave you without a rescue-ready device. Investing in a quality AED with proven reliability and long-life consumables provides peace of mind and could make the difference between life and death.

 

Beyond the basic maintenance tasks, here are extra tips to ensure your AED is always ready for a rescue:

 

• • Register Your AED with Emergency Services: In New Zealand, you can register your defibrillator with St John’s 111 AED registry. By doing so, ambulance call takers can quickly direct a 111 caller to your AED if an emergency happens nearby – find out more here: stjohn.org.nz.

 

• • Make the AED Easy to Find: An AED can’t save a life if nobody knows where it is. Post clear AED signage (the universal green heart-with-lightning-bolt symbol) around your facility to point people to the device. Ensure the AED isn’t hidden in a drawer or behind locked doors during normal hours. In public venues, its location should be obvious to visitors and staff alike. Visibility and accessibility are actually part of effective AED maintenance – it’s about maintaining readiness, not just the hardware.

 

• • Train Key Individuals: While AEDs are designed for anyone to use, it builds confidence to have trained personnel. Make sure certain staff members or family members know how to use the AED and perform CPR. Regular first aid training (refresher courses every couple of years) is highly recommended. Trained responders will also be more diligent in doing routine checks and maintenance. Even a short orientation for new employees on where the AED is and how to check its status light can be valuable.

 

• • Keep Records and Schedule Checks: Treat your AED like other safety equipment (fire extinguishers, etc.) by keeping a simple maintenance log. Record the dates of your inspections, pad/battery replacements, software updates (if any), and any observations. This documentation is useful for compliance and ensures no one assumes someone else has done the check. It also helps in workplaces to demonstrate due diligence in health & safety audits. Many organisations in NZ include AED checks in their monthly or quarterly safety checklist – a great habit to adopt.

 

• • Spare Supplies: Consider keeping spare electrode pads and a backup battery on hand, especially if you are in a remote area far from suppliers. If your AED is used once, it will be out of service until pads are replaced; having spares means you can restore it to readiness immediately after an incident. At minimum, know the process to order replacement parts quickly – order replacements for ZOLL AEDs here: ZOLL – AED NZ Online Store

 

• • Stay Updated: If the manufacturer issues any software updates, recall notices, or upgrades for your model, be sure to follow up. Register your AED purchase with the manufacturer or local distributor so you receive any safety bulletins. This is part of compliance as well – keeping the device updated to the latest standards. For instance, changes in resuscitation guidelines (which happen every few years via ANZCOR/NZ Resuscitation Council) might lead to AED firmware updates or recommended pad changes. Staying informed ensures your device continues to meet the latest recommendations.

 

By implementing these tips, you can have confidence that your AED will be rescue-ready at all times – meaning it’s functional, accessible, and primed for use in a heartbeat.