Search Language Careers Product Manuals LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator Data Management PRODUCTS MARKETS SERVICE & SUPPORT ABOUT US Milestones in History Major Events and Corporate Milestones Paul M. Zoll, M.D.: The Early Research 1952 • While Chief of the Cardiac Clinic at Beth Israel Hospital, Paul M. Zoll, M.D., demonstrates that external electrical stimulation of a patient’s chest during cardiac arrest could produce an effective heartbeat. 1956 • Is the first physician to successfully use external defibrillation to regulate heart rhythms in patients. This discovery contributes significantly to the decrease in heart disease mortality. • With technical collaborators, Dr. Zoll develops a way to display the heart’s cardiac electrical activity on an oscilloscopic screen. This includes registering each heartbeat with an audible signal, and sounding an alarm at the onset of cardiac arrest. These developments lead to cardiac monitors and other programs found in modern cardiac care units. 1960 • Discovers that external electrical countershock is effective in terminating supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia. This procedure becomes widely used in the treatment of these arrhythmias, and is found to be safer than administering large doses of antiarrhythmic drugs. 1964 • Develops a method for long-term direct electrical heart stimulation through an implanted pacemaker. Implanted cardiac pacemakers derive from his technologic breakthrough and are today a major cardiac therapy. It is estimated that more than 500,000 patients in the U.S. today are kept alive by implanted pacemakers. 1973 • Receives the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research, also known as "America's Nobels.” The Lasker Award is for physicians and others whose accomplishments made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of major life-threatening diseases. It is most coveted award in medical science. 1977 • Becomes Clinical Professor of Medicine, Emeritus, at Harvard Medical School. ZOLL Medical Corporation: The Early Beginnings 1980 • ZOLL is incorporated by the company’s co-founders including Dr. Zoll, Leigh Stein, and Thomas Claflin. William Bright, Chairman, and Rolf Stutz, CEO, subsequently join ZOLL. 1983 • Company introduces the ZOLL NTP® 1000, a non-invasive temporary pacemaker based on Dr. Zoll’s research. This patented technology provides superior capture rates, better patient tolerance of external pacing, and a clear recognition of cardiac capture. 1986 • The American Heart Association’s National Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care includes non-invasive external cardiac pacing as an adjunct to advanced cardiac life support. • ZOLL introduces pediatric non-invasive pacing technology. 1988 • Launches the ZOLL PD 1200™ Pacemaker/Defibrillator/Monitor, the first to combine proven pacing and defibrillating technology in a reliable, easy-to-use, compact unit. The operator can choose between monitoring, pacing, and defibrillation with just the turn of one control knob. 1989 • Introduces adult multi-function electrodes, which provide well-tolerated pacing, effective defibrillation, cardioversion, and monitoring—all through a single pair of pre-gelled disposable electrodes. ZOLL Medical Corporation: An Innovator in Resuscitation 1992 • Becomes a public company with an initial public offering of 2.1 million shares, which generates $14.6 million. • Releases the PD 1400 Pacemaker/Defibrillator/Monitor, the smallest and lightest device of its kind available for critical patient transport and pre-hospital treatment. • The American Heart Association elevates the importance of non-invasive pacing to the initial treatment of choice for certain serious patient conditions (Class 1 for profound bradycardia). ZOLL is the market leader for this technology. • The American Heart Association Guidelines strongly recommend, “defibrillators be immediately available to emergency personnel responding to a cardiac arrest,” both in hospital and prehospital settings. It also emphasizes that the most important factor contributing to patient survival is the speed in delivering treatment. 1994 • Receives 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA for the PD/D 2000 automated external defibrillator (AED)/advisory defibrillator. 1995 • Establishes a subsidiary in The Netherlands. • Receives ISO 9001 Certification, essential for marketing products in many European countries. This is an important endorsement of the quality of ZOLL’s products and manufacturing practices. • Announces a distribution agreement covering ZOLL’s products in Germany, the largest European market for resuscitation products. • Launches ZOLL 1600, the first fully upgradeable and configurable AED/manual external defibrillator. Small, light, and easy to use, the ZOLL 1600 is suitable for first responders, EMTs, and paramedics. • The U.S. Navy equips its major surface vessel hospitals and on-board medical facilities exclusively with the ZOLL PD 2000. • Introduces the first modular AC power supply/battery charger for hospital devices for use on the ZOLL 1400, 1600, and 2000 family of defibrillators. 1996 • Acquires Westech Mobile Solutions, allowing ZOLL to add software-based information products to its prehospital product line. • Makes an equity investment in LIFECOR, Inc., a medical equipment company that makes the LifeVest®, the first and only wearable defibrillator. • Introduces the ZOLL 1700, the first fully integrated AED/manual external defibrillator for hospital BLS and ACLS use. • Announces the new Base PowerCharger™ 4x4 to address common battery reliability issues. It is the first system in the industry to offer a complete and practical solution for improving the reliability, effectiveness, and cost of battery management. 1997 • Launches RescueNet®, the only complete EMS information management system that helps improve patient care, operational efficiency, and agency compliance. RescueNet, manufactured by ZOLL Data Systems, is used by hundreds of EMS organizations. • Unveils a tablet computer-based 12-lead system to help identify the onset of cardiac arrest. 1998 • Introduces the M Series®, the most advanced defibrillator worldwide. The product weighs 11 pounds, and is approximately one third the size and half the weight of any competitive full-featured defibrillator. The M Series is the first to provide a bright, high-contrast display of cardiac rhythms, a critical capability for any emergency unit. 1999 • Establishes subsidiaries in Canada and Germany. • Announces the revolutionary Rectilinear Biphasic™ defibrillation waveform, which lowers the energy needed for successful defibrillation and cardioversion. In a unique development, the FDA clears ZOLL’s new biphasic waveform to be labeled as clinically superior to monophasic defibrillators for the conversion of ventricular fibrillation in high-impedance patients and for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. ZOLL is the first company to have FDA clearance to make such superiority claims since the development of defibrillation in the 1950s. • Acquires Pinpoint Technologies to provide a complete information management solution to the EMS market. • Introduces “Smart Batteries,” an industry first. Smart Batteries provide users with accurate run times directly displayed on the battery. This development eliminates time-consuming testing procedures and minimizes user error. 2001 • Establishes subsidiaries in Australia and France. • Launches the M Series® CCT for critical care transport. • The ZOLL AED Plus® is designed in cooperation with the Burlington, Mass. Police Department and hundreds of other first responders and EMS agencies. 2002 • Receives 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA for its AED Plus and the new CPR-D•padz®. This is the first system to provide instantaneous feedback on the depth and rate of chest compressions during CPR. • ZOLL provides an initial grant to help establish the AED Instructor Foundation. • The M Series CCT is selected as the defibrillator of choice for the U.S. Military Patient Movement Item Program. The agreement, worth $8.9 million, is the single largest order in ZOLL’s history. • ZOLL and LIFECOR, Inc. announce an agreement to sell LIFECOR’s LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator to hospitals for patient use in the United States and Canada. 2003 • Announces a relationship with Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc. to bring the ResQPOD® Circulatory Enhancer to market. • Enters into an agreement with Revivant Corporation to commercialize the AutoPulse® Non-invasive Cardiac Support Pump, a new FDA-approved portable device that automates chest compressions, and increases blood flow to the brain and heart more consistently than manual CPR. • The AED Plus wins First Place in Product Design and Development magazine’s prestigious 2003 Engineering Awards Program. 2004 • Establishes a subsidiary in Austria. • Renames its Pinpoint Technologies subsidiary ZOLL Data Systems® to better reflect the EMS market. • Acquires Infusion Dynamics, Inc., which manufactures a unique fluid resuscitation product called the Power Infuser®. • Pediatric capability for the ZOLL AED Plus receives 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA. • Launches CodeNet®, the first complete data management system that solves the problem of hard-to-manage code event data for hospitals. 2005 • Introduces the ZOLL AED Pro® for professional rescuers. • ZOLL launches the E Series®, ZOLL’s newest defibrillator designed to meet the specific demands and extreme conditions of the EMS environment (temperature, moisture, and portability). 2006 • ZOLL completes the acquisition of the assets of Lifecor, Inc., a privately owned medical equipment company, which designs, manufactures and markets the LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator. • ZOLL launches the R Series®, the first and only “Code-Ready®” defibrillator for hospitals. 2007 • ZOLL receives market clearance for E Series® with Real CPR Help® technology. • ZOLL receives clearance to market E Series with See-Thru CPR® technology; functionality helps minimize interruptions in CPR. • ZOLL named one of Forbes Most Trustworthy companies in America for the first time. • ZOLL purchases the temperature management assets of Radiant Corporation. • ZOLL receives clearance to market AED Pro with See-Thru CPR technology; helps minimize interruptions in CPR. • ZOLL surpasses $300 million mark in revenues. 2008 • ZOLL marks 25th anniversary. • First hands-only CPR AED Plus • STEMI solutions offer enhanced transmission technology for 12-lead EKG. • AED Pro receives airworthy designation. • RescueNet® ePCR suite designated NEMSIS Gold Compliant Software. • AutoPulse approved for use in China. • LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator exceeds 10,000 prescriptions. • R Series Code-Ready® defibrillator awarded highest value score in the U.K. • ZOLL and Welch-Allen enter strategic alliance; ZOLL becomes exclusive distributor of Propaq® LT. • ZOLL has record annual results. Reaches $398 million in revenues; up 29 percent over previous year. 2009 • First State of Resuscitation Survey ranks bystander CPR, faster patient-to-doctor times, data collection and technology as critical improvement areas for resuscitation. • ZOLL is one of only ten companies on Forbes Top 100 Most Trustworthy Companies list for all three years of its publication. • LifeVest wearable defibrillator prescribed by doctors at all U.S. Honor Roll Hospitals. • ZOLL purchases intravascular temperature management (IVTM™)assets from Alsius Corporation. • New R Series BLS and R Series Plus receive FDA clearance. 2010 • ZOLL awarded British Heart Foundation tender for AEDs. • Propaq® MD monitor/defibrillator and Propaq M monitor granted 510(k) clearance by the FDA • Brazil Ministry of Health awards ZOLL AED contract for the country’s public EMS system. • ZOLL LifeVest® Wearable Defibrillator physician prescriptions top 30,000. • ZOLL LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator prescribed by physicians at all U.S. News and World Report “Honor Roll Hospitals” for third consecutive year. • ZOLL’s resuscitation technology strongly aligned with the new AHA/ERC/ILCOR 2010 Guidelines’ emphasis on high-quality CPR and minimizing interruptions in chest compressions. • Swiss Air Rescue, Rega, the first international installation, and PHI Air Medical of Phoenix, Arizona, the first North American installation, of the ultra lightweight Propaq MD Monitor/Defibrillator. • Nine SCA survivors saved with the help of ZOLL devices among 50 survivors selected to attend 50th anniversary of CPR celebration in San Diego. 2011 • AutoPulse CIRC (Circulation Improving Resuscitation Care) trial concludes successfully; first large scale resuscitation trial to reach a statistically significant result. • ZOLL receives Frost & Sullivan 2010 Market Leadership Award for demonstrated excellence in capturing the highest market share the North American external defibrillator market. • Physician prescriptions for ZOLL LifeVest top 35,000. • PocketCPR® FOR iPhone training app first to support new 2010 AHA/ERC/ILCOR Guidelines. • ZOLL launches iPad app for ePCR; EMS teams can now use iPad technology to complete electronic patient care reports. • Australia’s NSW Rural Fire Service, world’s largest volunteer fire fighting agency, orders more than 5,000 AED Plus units for state wide initiative. • ZOLL honored with 10th successive Omega NorthFace ScoreBoard Award℠ for excellence in technical support and customer service. • Welsh Ambulances NHS Trust awards ZOLL largest contract to date for the E Series in the U.K. • ZOLL reports record second quarter revenue and earnings. • ZOLL reports record Q4 and annual revenues; Breaks the $500 million mark with fiscal 2011 revenues of $523.7 million. 2012 • ZOLL sponsors Latin America's first symposium on therapeutic temperature management • X Series™ Monitor/Defibrillator receives 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA. • Asahi Kasei acquires ZOLL for $2.21 billion. • ZOLL introduces the first pediatric electrodes that report CPR quality on young children up to eight years of age. • ZOLL establishes new Japanese subsidiary Asahi Kasei ZOLL Medical (AZM). • ZOLL IVTM™ successfully revives 17 pilgrims from heat stroke during Hajj 2012. 2013 • First medical device company to sign a pledge to make patient data available to reduce preventable deaths • Receives Shonin approval to market intravascular temperature management (IVTM™) technology in Japan • Introduces the Fully Automatic AED Plus®, first fully automatic AED with Real CPR Help® • Study reports survival from sudden cardiac arrest more than doubles with ZOLL CPR feedback technology and resuscitation training • Wins patent infringement case against ELan Med GmbH • Wins 12th consecutive NorthFace ScoreBoard Awards for excellence in customer satisfaction 2014 • Implements HL7 for data exchange between health care providers • Achieves platinum status as an AHA Fit-Friendly Company for third consecutive year • Hosts first Dubai Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symposium for United Arab Emirate countries • Singapore Armed Forces standardizes on the Propaq® MD • Wins 13th consecutive NorthFace ScoreBoard AwardSM for excellence in customer satisfaction • Expands product portfolio to include ventilation with the acquisition of assets of Impact Instrumentation, Inc., of West Calwell, N.J. • RescueNet ePCR achieves NEMSIS Version 3 compliance • Acquires Philips InnerCoolTM temperature management business 2015 • Acquires Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc., of Roseville, Minn., developer of the ResQPOD® • Dubai Police Department equips its fleet of luxury and regular patrol cars with the AED Plus® • ZOLL ResQCPR System receives premarket approval from the FDA; shown to profoundly increase blood flow to the heart and other vital organs in pre-clinical studies. Related Links Company Overview Corporate Mission Milestones in History Paul M. Zoll Biography Management Team Compliance/Terms and Conditions ZOLL Corporate Brochure Products Defibs/Monitors AEDs Temperature Management Automated CPR Data Ventilators Wearable Defibrillators IPR Therapy Fluid Resuscitation Accessories Markets EMS and Fire Hospital Public Safety Military Homeland Security Alternate Care Service & Support Customer Service Technical Support Education and Resources ZOLL Web Store About Us Contact Us Careers News and Events ZOLL Technologies About ZOLL © 2016 ZOLL Medical Corporation. All rights reserved. Site Map | Terms of Use Follow Us youtube linkedin