ZOLL Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions, announced today that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has purchased devices to distribute to its 47 member associations across Asia to protect their football players in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

The AED Plus units will be present during all football matches. In all matches sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), of which AFC is a member, a match cannot start without the presence of an AED at the bench of the 4 th official.

Dato’ Alex Soosay, AFC General Secretary, commented that at the recent South Asian Football Federation Championship Games in Nepal, immediate use of AED equipment saved the life of a player from Afghanistan who had a cardiac arrest during the match between Nepal and Afghanistan. Thus, such incidents reflect the importance of collaboration and investment in medical equipment.

He explained that one of the key reasons that the AFC selected the AED Plus is its feature, real-time audio and visual feedback that guides the rescuer to the correct depth and rate of chest compressions. Not all victims of sudden cardiac arrest will need a shock, but all will need CPR.

“The AED Plus is simple to operate and user friendly, even to the layman,” said Dato’ Alex. “Its availability in multiple languages provides added user confidence. The AFC Medical Committee unanimously endorsed its use.” About the AED Plus The ZOLL AED Plus is the first and only Full-Rescue AED that provides Real CPR Help for the depth and rate of chest compressions during CPR. This feedback technology helps rescuers provide high-quality manual CPR with real-time audio and visual feedback to help them achieve the proper depth and rate of CPR chest compressions. The AED Plus guides rescuers through the complete Chain of Survival, helping all sudden cardiac arrest victims, not just those who need a shock.