A corporate guide to integrated pediatric rescue with the ZOLL AED 3

As a safety manager, you are responsible for the well being of every person who walks through your doors. This responsibility becomes more complex when your facility serves both adults and children. A corporate campus with an on-site daycare, a community center, or a place of worship all face the same challenge: how do you prepare for a sudden cardiac arrest when the victim could be an adult employee or a small child?

Traditionally, this meant navigating a confusing and costly system of separate AEDs, different sets of electrode pads, or special keys that a rescuer had to find and insert under immense pressure. This approach not only increases procurement and maintenance costs but also introduces a significant risk of human error during a life or death emergency.

There is a simpler, more effective way to protect everyone in your care. This guide explains how to build an integrated rescue program that removes the guesswork, reduces liability, and equips your team with the confidence to act decisively.

The critical difference between pediatric and adult sudden cardiac arrest

Understanding why a single approach to defibrillation is insufficient starts with basic physiology. While the outcome is the same, the common causes of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) differ significantly between adults and children.

In adults, SCA is most often caused by an electrical problem in the heart, typically ventricular fibrillation. An AED is designed to deliver a powerful electrical shock to reset this chaotic rhythm.

In children, SCA is more frequently the result of a respiratory issue, like choking or drowning, which leads to a lack of oxygen and causes the heart to stop. While a defibrillation shock is still necessary, the energy level must be significantly lower to be safe and effective for a child’s smaller body. Using adult level energy on a child can cause further harm. This is why specialized equipment is not just a recommendation but a necessity.

The old way vs. the new way, comparing AED solutions

For years, facilities with mixed age populations had two complicated options. They could purchase separate AEDs for adults and children, doubling equipment costs and maintenance tasks. Or, they could use an adult AED with separate pediatric pads or a special key. This “old way” forces a rescuer to diagnose the situation, locate the correct accessory, and correctly attach it, all while the clock is ticking. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival from SCA decreases by 7 to 10 percent.

The new way streamlines the entire process. The ZOLL AED 3 introduces a truly universal solution. Its innovative CPR Uni-padz are designed for use on victims of any age. Instead of fumbling with different pads, a rescuer simply pushes a button to switch the device into child mode, instantly reducing the shock energy to appropriate pediatric levels. This single, integrated system eliminates complexity when it matters most.

A deep dive in the ZOLL AED 3 and CPR Uni pads advantage

For procurement officers and EH&S directors, the decision to invest in an AED program hinges on reliability, total cost of ownership, and ease of use. The ZOLL AED 3 value package excels in all three areas, making it a superior choice for complex environments.

Simplicity reduces risk

In a crisis, simplicity equals safety. The ZOLL AED 3’s design eliminates the most common points of failure found in other devices. There is no need to unplug one set of pads and plug in another. There is no small key to find and insert. The rescuer applies the Uni-padz and pushes the clearly marked child button if the victim is under 8 years old or weighs less than 55 pounds. This intuitive process reduces stress and the likelihood of a critical error.

Cost effectiveness improves budget certainty

Managing two sets of pads for every AED is expensive. Each set has its own expiration date that must be tracked, and replacing them adds a significant recurring cost to your budget. The CPR Uni-padz feature a five year shelf life for both the pads and the battery, one of the longest in the industry. By standardizing on a single pad system, you cut your consumable costs in half and simplify your inventory and maintenance schedule, lowering the total cost of ownership for your entire program.

Integrated design minimizes liability

A well managed AED program is a cornerstone of corporate responsibility. The ZOLL AED 3’s integrated system demonstrates a commitment to providing the best possible care for all populations. By choosing a device that is purpose built to minimize human error, you reduce the risk of improper use and strengthen your organization’s legal standing and duty of care.

Building your integrated pediatric rescue program step by step

Implementing a successful AED program is about more than just buying a device. It requires a thoughtful plan that covers placement, training, and ongoing compliance.

Assess your facility’s specific needs

Start by mapping your facility. Identify high risk areas for both adults and children, such as fitness centers, cafeterias, playgrounds, and auditoriums. The goal is to ensure that an AED can be retrieved and used within three minutes of a collapse. Our experts can help you determine the optimal number and placement of devices for your unique layout and population.

Train your team for confidence

An AED is only effective if your people are prepared to use it. AED Leader provides comprehensive, on site training on CPR and AED use. Because the ZOLL AED 3 simplifies the rescue process, your staff can be trained on a single, unified workflow, increasing their confidence and readiness to respond to any emergency.

Ensure compliance and readiness

AEDs are medical devices subject to state and federal regulations. Our AED Total Solution program management service handles everything from physician prescriptions and EMS registration to automated tracking of pad and battery expiration dates. This end to end oversight ensures your program remains compliant and every device is ready to perform, giving you complete peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What are the legal requirements for having an AED in a corporate office with a daycare?
A: AED laws vary by state and facility type. Many states have specific legislation for schools, gyms, and government buildings. While an office may not be explicitly mandated to have an AED, providing one is a best practice that falls under OSHA’s General Duty Clause and demonstrates a commitment to employee safety. Having a daycare on site significantly strengthens the case for a comprehensive program with pediatric capabilities. You can explore specific state requirements in our legal center.

Q: How exactly does the ZOLL AED 3’s child mode work?
A: When a rescuer determines the victim is a child (generally under 8 years or 55 lbs), they press the large, clearly marked child button on the front of the ZOLL AED 3. The device’s software immediately adjusts the analysis algorithm and reduces the energy of the defibrillation shock to a level that is safe and appropriate for a child’s heart.

Q: What is the shelf life of the CPR Uni-padz?
A: The ZOLL AED 3 CPR Uni-padz have a five year shelf life from the date of manufacture. The device’s battery also lasts for five years. This extended lifespan is among the best in the industry and significantly lowers your long term maintenance costs compared to devices with pads that expire every two years.

Q: Can you use adult pads on a child if pediatric pads aren’t available?
A: The American Heart Association guidelines state that if a pediatric attenuated shock is not available, a standard adult AED shock may be used as a last resort. However, this is not ideal. The ZOLL AED 3 with Uni-padz eliminates this dangerous compromise, ensuring the right level of care is always available without delay.

Q: What is the difference between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack?
A: They are not the same. A heart attack is a “plumbing” problem where blood flow to the heart is blocked, but the person is typically awake and breathing. Sudden cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem where the heart’s rhythm becomes chaotic, causing the person to collapse and stop breathing. An AED is designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest. You can learn more about the distinction here.

Making the right decision for your facility’s safety program means choosing a solution that is effective, reliable, and simple to manage. The ZOLL AED 3 with integrated pediatric rescue provides the certainty you need to protect every life in your care. To discuss the specific needs of your facility, contact an AED Leader specialist today.