Cardiac Science (now Zoll)

Note: The Powerheart G3 was manufactured by Cardiac Science. The company Cardiac Science was bought out by AED manufacturer Zoll, so the Powerheart G5 model is manufactured by Zoll. The G3 has been discontinued, and is no longer available for purchase. There G3 model continues to be used, and replacement supplies are generally still available.

The G3 model is available in both automatic, and semi-automatic models. The G5 comes as an automatic model. With an automatic model, there is no button to administer a shock. The AED will analyze the patient’s heart rhythm and administer a shock if viable. In a semi-automatic model, the AED will analyze the patient’s heart rhythm, and if appropriate to shock the patient, the device will light up a flashing button to be pushed by the rescuer which will administer a shock. Both options are excellent choices and choosing automatic vs. semi-automatic is a matter of preference.

In most AED’s on the market, the pads are polarized, which means one pad will specifically need to be placed on the patient’s upper, right-hand chest and the other pad needs to be placed on the lower left side of the ribs. Both the G3 and G5 pads are non-polarized, which means the pads still need to be placed in the same area (upper right chest and lower left rib) but it doesn’t matter which pad goes where. This can help save time and make operating the device easier for the rescuer. Pediatric Pads (which are recommended for patients under the age of 8 or weighing less than 55 lbs) are available for both models, but do not come equipped and need to be ordered separately from your supplier.

All AED pads contain an adhesive gel coating, which allows the pads to stick to the surface of the patient’s skin, and this also conducts the shock being transmitted. Due to the possibility of this adhesive gel drying out in the long term, all pads come sealed in a package and have an expiry date. In the case of both Powerheart models, the pads have a 2-year shelf life.

Batteries in AEDs have a limited life span due to the fact that they run frequent self-checks and the need to maintain enough charge to deliver multiple shocks in an emergency. Both the G3 and G5 models have batteries with a 4-year standby life. The battery will expire exactly 4-years after being installed in the device.

Both models of AED run self-diagnostic checks daily, weekly and monthly. There is a green indicator light which will flash if the device is in proper working order. If the device detects any issues, the indicator light will flash red or stop flashing, and the machine will periodically emit an audible beep. If this should happen, please consult the user manual in order to troubleshoot.

When registering with the Heart Safe AED website, you will enter important information into the database such as battery and pad expiry dates, so you can easily track when they will need to be replaced.

Both devices have other features and characteristics of note, such as audible instructions available in additional languages. They also feature data download options, as the device records heart rhythms and other valuable data when it is being used. This data can be downloaded onto a computer and utilized by First Responders and Medical Professionals to determine the nature of the issue and assess treatment options. Please refer to the manufacturer’s website below to find out more.

The G5 is generally priced around $1900-$2100. Consider the cost and frequency of replacement pads and batteries when evaluating AED purchase options.

Powerheart G5 AED for Public Access - ZOLL Medical

If you are looking for replacement accessories, please contact your AED supplier, or refer to the supplier list listed on our Heart Safe Website.

If you have any questions regarding AED usage, registration, Sudden Cardiac Arrests or more, please contact the Heart Safe Public Access to Defibrillation Program!

Email: PAD@ahs.ca

Phone: 1-866-786-1440