posted July 09, 2025

Device proven to be critical in pre-hospital transport of cardiac patients

PENSACOLA, FL, July 8, 2025 – Emergency air medical bases across northern Florida are reinforcing their commitment to safety and clinical excellence by integrating the ZOLL AutoPulse® NXT automated CPR device into their helicopters and fixed wing airplanes. As part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, the following bases join the company’s initiative to integrate this life-saving technology into their aircraft: LifeFlight 1 and AirLife 12 in Pensacola; Okaloosa MedFlight in Niceville; AIRHeart 2 in Marianna; Walton Air Rescue in DeFuniak Springs; AirLife Florida 1 in Crawfordville; AirLife 7 in Live Oak; LifeFlight Jacksonville 1 in Jacksonville; and LifeFlight Jacksonville 2 in North Jacksonville.  

The ZOLL AutoPulse NXT enables flight 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 Zoll AutoPulse NXT is highly beneficial for consistent, high quality chest compressions despite the challenges of limited space, vibration, and movement during flight,” said LifeFlight 1 Flight Nurse and Clinical Base Lead Dakota Ward. “While in use, it allows the crew members to focus on critical interventions without compromising CPR quality, improves patient outcomes, and enhances crew safety in flight, all while mitigating the issue of provider fatigue during resuscitative efforts that is common with traditional chest compressions. It also offers a slim profile that makes access to control panels easier while in flight.”

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, air medical 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 photos and a video of the ZOLL AutoPulse® NXT automated CPR device, click here.