First department in New England to deploy Zoll’s Zenix technology
The Reading Fire Department announced today that it is rolling out new clinically advanced resuscitation equipment from Chelmsford-based ZOLL®. The lightweight Zoll Zenix® is a combined monitor/defibrillator designed for EMS usage and is deployed on Reading’s Ambulance and Fire apparatuses as of today.
This commitment to advanced care is reflected in the department’s recent data: last year, Reading Firefighter Paramedics utilized cardiac monitors in 84% of their 2,738 EMS calls. Averaging more than half a dozen diagnostic interactions per day, these tools have become an indispensable part of protecting the Reading community.
The Reading Fire Department responds to an average of six critical cardiac emergencies every week,” said Assistant Fire Chief John Keough. “Equipping our teams with this state-of-the-art technology is a gamechanger in life-or-death situations. It doesn’t just support our operations—it empowers our first responders to save lives.”
The ZOLL Zenix will help Reading’s first responders improve patient outcomes in medical emergencies such as Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) or trauma. Zenix delivers immediate biologic and respiratory feedback to emergency personnel on-site, with functionality that automatically switches between adult and pediatric patient usage. These units also integrate into the current emergency health record software used by the department, providing continuity for patients after they leave RFD’s care.
In a time when your zip code can correlate to your life expectancy, where you choose to live and invest in a home really matters. The Advanced Life Support provided by the Reading Fire Department, and this new piece of lifesaving technology from Zoll, is a critical part of the full complement of high-quality services all Town departments deliver to Reading residents every day,” said Jayne Wellman, Acting Town Manager.
The purchase of these monitors was thoughtfully planned and included in the fire department’s dedicated capital plan. The final cost of $310,000 was approved by Town Meeting in November of 2025. The department has undergone thorough training on the Zenix technology and usage over the past several weeks, and is excited to roll these units out today, March 9. The Zenix units replace the department’s LifePak 15 units, which, though still functional, were nearing the end of their useful lives.
“We pride ourselves in being forward-looking in Reading; whether that’s the latest knowledge gained in trainings, equipment on our rigs, or technology that helps us save lives, we always want to be on the cutting edge for our residents,” said Fire Chief Rick Nelson. “In carefully evaluating the many available options to Fire Departments in Massachusetts and across the country, we selected the Zenix for its functionality for both adult and pediatric patients, the ease-of-use, and the robust capabilities that will be invaluable in our efforts in Reading.”
About Reading Fire Department
The Reading Fire Department is a professional, community-service driven organization that proudly provides an all-hazard emergency response and emergency management activities to meet the needs of the Reading community now and into the future. The members of the Reading Fire Department strive to provide the highest quality services through professional development, fire prevention services, and partnering with community members and organizations. Our desire is to serve, protect, and quickly and efficiently respond for a safer Reading.
About ZOLL
ZOLL, an Asahi Kasei company, develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and cardiac monitoring, circulation enhancement and CPR feedback, supersaturated oxygen therapy, data management, ventilation, therapeutic temperature management, and sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help clinicians, EMS and fire professionals, as well as lay rescuers, improve patient outcomes in critical cardiopulmonary conditions. For more information, visit www.zoll.com.
For more information, contact the Office of the Town Manager at (781) 942-9050.
