Milestones in History
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 can 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
Dr. Zoll 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
Dr. Zoll receives the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research. 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 the most coveted award in medical science.
1977
Becomes Clinical Professor of Medicine, Emeritus, at Harvard Medical School.
ZOLL Medical Corporation : The Early Years
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
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.
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 monitoring, pacing, or defibrillation with 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
ZOLL 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 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," in both hospital and pre-hospital 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 use in hospitals 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 pre-hospital product line.
Makes an equity investment in LIFECOR, Inc., a medical equipment company that makes LifeVest®, the first and only wearable defibrillator.
Introduces the ZOLL 1700, the first fully integrated AED/manual external defibrillator for basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) in a hospital.
Announces the new Base PowerCharger™ 4 x 4 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® monitor/defibrillator, 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 defibrillator 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
ZOLL establishes subsidiaries in Australia and France.
Launches the M Series CCT for critical care transport.
The ZOLL AED Plus® defibrillator 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 defibrillator and the new CPR-D-padz® electrodes. 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 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.
Launches the E Series® monitor/defibrillator, ZOLL's newest defibrillator designed to meet the specific demands and extreme conditions of the EMS environment.
2006
Completes the acquisition of the assets of Lifecor, Inc., which designs, manufactures, and markets the LifeVest wearable defibrillator.
Launches the R Series® monitor/defibrillator, the first and only Code-Ready® defibrillator for hospitals.
2007
Receives market clearance for E Series with Real CPR Help® technology.
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.
Purchases the temperature management assets of Radiant Corporation.
Receives clearance to market AED Pro with See-Thru CPR technology.
Surpasses $300 million mark in revenues.
2008
ZOLL marks twenty-fifth anniversary.
STEMI solutions offer enhanced transmission technology for 12-lead ECG.
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.
ZOLL and Welch Allyn enter strategic alliance; ZOLL becomes exclusive distributor of Propaq® LT.
Reaches $398 million in revenues; up 29% over previous year.
2009
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. News and World Report U.S. "Honor Roll Hospitals."
Purchases intravascular temperature management (IVTM™) assets from Alsius Corporation.
New R Series BLS and R Series Plus monitor/defibrillators 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.
LifeVest wearable defibrillator physician prescriptions top 30,000.
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.
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 of the North American external defibrillator market.
PocketCPR® for iPhone training app first to support new 2010 AHA/ERC/ILCOR Guidelines.
Launches iPad app for ePCR; EMS teams can now use iPads 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 tenth 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.
Reports record Q4 and annual revenues; breaks the $500 million mark with fiscal 2011 revenues of $523.7 million.
2012
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.
Introduces the first pediatric electrodes that report CPR quality on young children up to eight years of age.
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 pledge to make patient data available to reduce preventable deaths.
Receives Shonin approval to market 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.
2014
Implements HL7 for data exchange between health care providers.
Hosts first Dubai Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symposium for United Arab Emirate countries.
Singapore Armed Forces standardizes on the Propaq MD.
Expands product portfolio to include ventilation with the acquisition of assets of Impact Instrumentation, Inc., of West Caldwell, N.J.
RescueNet ePCR achieves NEMSIS Version 3 compliance.
Acquires Philips InnerCool® 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.
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.
2016
Receives market approval for intravascular temperature management technology to treat sudden cardiac arrest in Japan.
ZOLL AED 3® and the ZOLL AED 3 BLS automated external defibrillators are approved for marketing and distribution in Europe.
ZOLL honored for the fifteenth consecutive year for excellence in customer satisfaction.
Eleven caregivers awarded the ZOLL EMT Scholarship in the program's inaugural year.
2017
Health Canada approves the ZOLL AED 3 and the ZOLL AED 3 BLS automated external defibrillators for marketing and distribution in Canada.
ZOLL Hospital Wearable Defibrillator (HWD) receives premarket approval from the FDA.
2018
Propaq M selected by U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army as their deployable vital signs monitor.
ZOLL first company to receive premarket approval from the FDA on its full portfolio of defibrillators.
VEST trial shows LifeVest wearable defibrillator reduces total mortality by 36% at 90 days.
Singapore awards ZOLL save-a-life initiative to install 5,000 AED Plus units in public housing.
Heroes for Life program launched to honor sudden cardiac arrest survivors and the "unexpected heroes" who have helped save them with a ZOLL AED.
Respond™ app introduced to improve communication and navigation among EMS dispatchers, crews, and clinical staff.
Z Vent® transport ventilator for pre- and intra-hospital use introduced.
Air-Glaciers, a Swiss helicopter company, standardizes on ZOLL's lifesaving equipment for its aircraft.
2019
Acquires Payor Logic, Inc., a company that specializes in best-in-class accounts receivable (A/R) software solutions for the healthcare industry.
Golden Hour Data Systems, Inc. acquired. Accelerates patient charting and revenue cycle management to the EMS market.
Introduces µCor™ (pronounced "Micro Core") Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Management System (HFAMS), new technology to improve the management of acute heart failure patients.
Acquires TherOx®, Inc., which offers SuperSaturated Oxygen (SSO2) Therapy, a new FDA-approved treatment to help the most severe heart attack patients.
Acquires Mobilize Rescue Systems™, which offers interactive trauma systems to help bystanders save lives during medical emergencies.
ZOLL rebrands Payor Logic solution as ZOLL AR Boost™ to better reflect the potential impact of this technology on a wider segment of the healthcare market.
Completes acquisition of Cardiac Science®; expands solutions for cardiac arrest victims in the community.
2020
FDA approves next-generation TherOx system for left anterior descending ST-elevation myocardial infarction (LAD STEMI) heart attack patients.
Scripps La Jolla first in U.S. to use ZOLL'S FDA-approved SSO2 Therapy on patients suffering from LAD STEMI heart attacks.
2021
ZOLL acquires Respicardia, Inc., a provider of novel implantable neurostimulators for the treatment of moderate to severe Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).
FDA approves next-generation remedē® EL-X System to treat moderate to severe Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).
ZOLL acquires Itamar Medical, a medical device and digital health company that provides at-home testing for sleep apnea.
2022
ZOLL launches the Arrhythmia Management System (AMS), which adds biometric data to traditional mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) information, helping physicians make more informed treatment plans.