posted May 12, 2025

Device proven to be critical in emergency air medical transport of cardiac patients 

EMPORIA. KS, May 12, 2025 – The LifeSave Kansas bases in Emporia and Wichita, along with their sister bases in Garden City and Liberal, are reinforcing their commitment to safety and clinical excellence by integrating the ZOLL AutoPulse® NXT automated CPR device into their emergency air medical helicopters and fixed wing airplanes. As part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, LifeSave Kansas joins a nationwide initiative to integrate this life-saving technology into all of its community-based aircraft nationwide. 

The ZOLL AutoPulse NXT enables LifeSave Kansas clinicians to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted CPR while ensuring their own safety by wearing seat belts through critical phases of flight. It also works in tandem with the existing onboard ventilator to provide the best pre-hospital care during transport. 

“The AutoPulse, combined with the CPR mode on our Hamilton T1 ventilator, ensures we have plenty of hands to administer electrical therapy or medications in a time of immediate need,” said LifeSave Kansas Flight Nurse Shannon Kilmartin. “During an emergency, this device can make the difference between life and death for some patients.” 

Unlike manual compressions, which can be inconsistent and physically exhausting, the AutoPulse NXT delivers continuous, high-quality CPR without interruption, ensuring a more effective resuscitation process. The device’s innovative design also eliminates the need for removal during patient loading and unloading, allowing seamless transitions while maintaining uninterrupted compressions. Furthermore, its compact size makes it a practical and efficient addition to the program’s life-saving equipment. 

“ZOLL is proud to partner with Air Methods on advancing resuscitation care in their fleet,” said Randy Keaney, Strategic Account Manager of ZOLL Medical. “AutoPulse NXT provides high quality circumferential chest compressions to a wide patient population and can continue CPR from the scene to the ER to the Cath Lab.” 

This initiative aligns with advancements in emergency cardiac care, including the growing need to transport patients experiencing cardiac arrest to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)-capable cardiac facilities. With AutoPulse NXT, LifeSave Kansas crews can focus on addressing the underlying causes of cardiac arrest rather than the physical demands of manual compressions. 

Air Methods collaborated closely with ZOLL to provide direct feedback during the development of the AutoPulse NXT, which was released in 2024. The rollout of AutoPulse NXT across all Air Methods bases began in April 2025, accompanied by training programs and resources to ensure seamless adoption among clinicians. 

For a video of the ZOLL AutoPulse® NXT automated CPR device and a photo of the device in the LifeSave 21 Emporia helicopter, click here. 

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