AEDs for Schools and Daycares

In a school, an early childhood centre (CPE) or a daycare, children's safety is a daily concern. Teams are prepared to respond to injuries, allergic reactions and other emergencies. But what about sudden cardiac arrest?

Even though cardiac arrests are less common in children than in adults, they can happen. You also have to think about teachers, early childhood educators, administrative staff, parents and visitors who spend time at the facility.

Having an automated external defibrillator (AED) suited to schools and daycares helps better prepare the setting for a cardiac emergency.

The choice of device deserves special attention, however. Some defibrillators have a built-in child mode, while others require separate pediatric pads.

At Cardio Choc, we offer a range of solutions, including the ZOLL AED 3, the ZOLL AED Plus, the Philips HeartStart FRx and the LIFEPAK CR2.

Here are the criteria to consider when choosing a device suited to your facility, planning its installation and keeping it maintained.

Why install a defibrillator in a school or daycare?

When a person suffers a cardiac arrest, their heart no longer pumps blood effectively to the vital organs.

A quick response is then essential: call 911, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED as soon as one is available.

The defibrillator analyzes the heart rhythm and determines whether an electric shock is advised.

It is designed to guide the rescuer through the steps of defibrillation.

Equipment that protects the whole school community

When we think of a defibrillator in a school, we often think of students.

Yet the device can also be used to help an adult.

A school welcomes teachers, employees, parents, coaches, volunteers and visitors every day.

Some facilities also open their gyms, auditoriums and other spaces to the public outside school hours.

Ideally, the AED should therefore be able to meet the needs of different age groups.

The importance of preparation

Having a defibrillator is a first step, but it isn't enough on its own.

Staff must know where the device is, how to call for help and what to do during an emergency.

An AED that is hard to find or stored in an inaccessible room can delay the response.

That is why choosing the location, training staff and doing regular checks are just as important as the model you buy.

Pediatric defibrillator: how is it different from an AED for adults?

It isn't necessarily required to buy a defibrillator reserved exclusively for children.

Many models intended for the general public can be used on both adults and children, provided you have the appropriate features and accessories.

The main difference concerns the defibrillation energy and the prompts suited to the pediatric patient.

Built-in child mode

Some AEDs have a child mode that lets you adjust how they operate.

This is the case for the ZOLL AED 3 and the LIFEPAK CR2, for example.

These models allow the use of pads that are compatible with both adults and children, without having to systematically swap the pads.

The user must, however, activate the appropriate mode following the manufacturer's instructions.

This approach simplifies accessory management for a school.

Separate pediatric pads

Other models require specific pads to respond to a child.

For example:

• The ZOLL AED Plus uses Pedi-padz II pediatric pads.
• The Philips HeartStart HS1 uses a separate pediatric cartridge.
• The HeartSine Samaritan uses a Pediatric-Pak cartridge.

These accessories allow the response to be adapted to the characteristics of the pediatric patient.

You therefore need to make sure they are available and monitor their expiry date.

What about infants?

Responding to an infant requires special precautions.

Pediatric guidelines favour a defibrillator equipped with a pediatric attenuator when one is available, following the manufacturer's instructions and the applicable resuscitation protocols.

Not all AEDs intended for the general public are configured the same way for infants.

For a daycare that welcomes very young children, it is especially important to confirm the exact pediatric capabilities of the device you choose and to ensure staff are properly trained.

Comparison of defibrillators for schools and daycares

Several devices can suit a school.

Their main differences lie in the method of pediatric use, the guidance during CPR and the management of consumables.

Model — Pediatric use — Special feature

• ZOLL AED 3 — Pediatric use: Child mode and CPR Uni-padz pads; Special feature: Colour display and CPR feedback
• LIFEPAK CR2 — Pediatric use: Child mode with QUIK-STEP pads; Special feature: Voice guidance, bilingual mode and connectivity depending on the version
• Philips HeartStart FRx — Pediatric use: SMART Pads II pads and pediatric key; Special feature: Rugged design and voice prompts
• ZOLL AED Plus — Pediatric use: Separate Pedi-padz II pads; Special feature: Real CPR Help technology for adult CPR
• HeartSine Samaritan — Pediatric use: Separate Pediatric-Pak cartridge; Special feature: Compact format and combined battery-and-pads system

The choice depends on the age groups present, internal procedures and the resources available for maintenance.

ZOLL AED 3: a strong choice for schools

The ZOLL AED 3 has a colour display that guides the user with illustrations and instructions.

It uses CPR Uni-padz pads, designed for both adults and children.

The built-in child mode lets you adapt its use without having to install a different set of pads.

This feature can be especially useful in an elementary school where students and staff belong to different age groups.

The device also has Real CPR Help technology, which provides feedback on chest compressions depending on the mode and conditions of use.

Discover ZOLL defibrillators.

LIFEPAK CR2: a versatile AED for children and adults

The Stryker LIFEPAK CR2 is also a good option for school settings.

It has a built-in child mode and uses QUIK-STEP pads that are suitable for both adult and pediatric responses.

The device provides voice prompts and can be configured with two preprogrammed languages, including French and English.

Some versions also offer Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.

This feature can help a school service centre or an organization responsible for several facilities centralize certain information about the availability of its AEDs.

Connected services must, however, be set up and verified according to the applicable terms.

See LIFEPAK/Stryker defibrillators.

Philips HeartStart FRx: rugged and easy to use

The Philips HeartStart FRx has voice prompts designed to guide the rescuer.

It uses SMART Pads II pads.

For a pediatric response, the user needs the compatible infant/child key, which adapts the treatment and the prompts.

This key is an accessory to plan for at the time of purchase when it isn't already included.

With its IP55 protection rating, the FRx can also be a good option for facilities with gyms and sports facilities.

Discover Philips defibrillators.

Which AED should you choose for a CPE, a daycare or a school?

Early childhood centres and daycares

In a CPE, the age of the children is an especially important criterion.

The facility must check whether the model under consideration allows a response suited to very young patients and which accessories are needed.

You must also think about adult staff and visitors.

The choice should therefore be made based on the manufacturer's recommendations, the needs of the children in care and the skills of the responders.

A compact AED that is easy to identify and comes with clear instructions can help staff prepare.

Elementary schools

In an elementary school, it is worth favouring a device that makes it easy to switch from an adult response to a pediatric one.

Models with a built-in child mode can simplify accessory management.

However, a model that uses separate pediatric pads can also be suitable if they are available and properly maintained.

The location must also take into account the gym, the schoolyard and the areas used during after-school activities.

High schools

In a high school, the AED must be accessible in an environment that is often larger.

Some schools have several buildings, floors, wings or sports facilities.

You therefore need to assess the travel needed to retrieve the device.

Sports activities, cultural events and evening use of the facilities can also influence its location.

School service centres and multi-site organizations

Managing several dozen defibrillators can become complex.

Each device has its own serial number, battery, pads and inspection deadlines.

A multi-site organization can benefit from a centralized register and a shared maintenance process.

The connected features of some models can also be evaluated when compatible services are available.

Where should you install a defibrillator in a school?

The best location is the one that allows quick access to the AED during an emergency.

It must be easy to identify, accessible to the people responsible and protected from conditions that could affect how it works.

Near the gym or sports facilities

The gym is an important location to consider, especially when it hosts sports activities and events open to the public.

You must, however, check whether the device remains accessible when certain doors are locked.

An AED installed only in an administrative office that is closed in the evening can be hard to retrieve during an after-school activity.

In a central corridor or common area

A main corridor or common area can offer quick access to several parts of the school.

The device should be accompanied by visible, easy-to-understand signage.

You should also avoid having it hidden behind furniture or placed in an area that requires special authorization.

In a daycare

For a CPE or daycare, a location near a central circulation area can make sense.

The AED must remain accessible to responsible adults while being protected from unsupervised handling by children.

A suitable wall cabinet can make it easier to store and find the device.

Do Quebec schools have to have a defibrillator?

In June 2024, the Quebec government announced funding to equip all public schools with automated external defibrillators.

This initiative provided for adding 1,558 devices to the public school network.

It is important, however, to distinguish this government program from a regulatory obligation that applies uniformly to every facility.

Private schools, CPEs and daycares may be subject to different frameworks and conditions.

You therefore need to check the requirements that apply to each facility rather than assume that a single obligation covers the entire education network.

For schools that are already equipped, the priority also becomes the availability of consumables, maintenance and AED accessibility.

How do you prepare staff for a cardiac emergency?

A defibrillator is designed to guide the user, but training remains an important part of preparation.

Teachers, early childhood educators and other staff members can benefit from training suited to their environment.

Train staff in CPR and AED use

Training teaches people to recognize a cardiac emergency, alert emergency services, perform chest compressions and use a defibrillator.

In a school setting, it is especially worthwhile to cover the differences between adult and pediatric CPR.

Techniques can vary depending on the age of the victim.

Proper training helps responders understand these distinctions.

Plan a clear emergency procedure

The emergency plan should specify:

• Who calls 911.
• Where the AED is located.
• Who can go and retrieve the device.
• How to direct emergency services to the victim.
• How to keep an eye on the other children during the response.
• Who is responsible for getting the AED ready again after use.

This last point deserves special attention in a school setting.

During an emergency, some staff members need to respond to the victim while others look after the students.

A clear division of responsibilities can help organize the response.

Pediatric pads: what should you check?

Buying an AED doesn't automatically guarantee that it comes with all the accessories needed to respond to a child.

Before putting a device into service, check:

• Its compatibility with pediatric patients.
• That it has a child mode or appropriate accessories.
• The pad expiry date.
• The storage conditions for consumables.
• The availability of replacement parts.

Some pads can be used for several age groups with a compatible device.

Others are intended specifically for children and must be purchased separately.

It is therefore important to know the exact part numbers that match your defibrillator.

See defibrillators designed for children.

How do you maintain an AED in a school or daycare?

A defibrillator can go unused for a long time.

That doesn't mean its maintenance can be neglected.

Pads have an expiry date and batteries have a limited service life.

In addition, a device can be moved, lose an accessory or become inaccessible following changes to the premises.

A simple inspection routine

An inspection should include:

• Checking the readiness indicator.
• Confirming that the AED is in its designated location.
• Checking the pad expiry date.
• Monitoring the battery condition.
• Examining the wall cabinet and accessories.
• Making sure the signage is visible.
• Recording any anomalies and uses.

The exact frequency and procedures must follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Make use of closure periods

School holidays and closure periods can be convenient times to review the condition of equipment.

It is important, however, that checks aren't limited to a single time of year.

The device must remain available for the entire time it is installed.

For schools managed by the same organization, a centralized calendar can make inspections and replacements easier.

Cardio Choc also offers inspection and maintenance services to help organizations with this follow-up.

Buying or subscribing: which option for a school?

Buying lets the facility own the defibrillator.

It must then manage inspections, pads, batteries and the accessories needed.

A subscription can be attractive to organizations that want to simplify these responsibilities.

At Cardio Choc, various support options are available to make AED management easier.

It is important to compare the included services and the applicable terms.

For a school service centre responsible for several facilities, the total cost of ownership and equipment management can be important criteria.

The decision should therefore not rest solely on the initial price of the defibrillator.

Buy a defibrillator for a school or daycare from Cardio Choc

Choosing a defibrillator for a school must take into account several realities: the age of the children, the presence of adults, the layout of the premises, after-school activities and the resources available for maintenance.

At Cardio Choc, we offer devices that meet a variety of needs, including the ZOLL AED 3, the LIFEPAK CR2 and the Philips HeartStart solutions.

Our team can help you choose models, pediatric pads and the accessories needed for installation.

Want to compare the different technologies? Browse our full selection of defibrillators.

Need advice on equipping a school, a CPE or a daycare? Contact Cardio Choc to choose a solution suited to your facilities, the children and the staff at your facility.

What is the best defibrillator for an elementary school?

An AED that allows a response suited to both children and adults is generally a good choice. The ZOLL AED 3 and the LIFEPAK CR2 have a built-in child mode. Other models can work with compatible pediatric pads or accessories.

Can an adult defibrillator be used on a child?

Some defibrillators designed for adults can also be used on children with a pediatric mode, suitable pads or an energy attenuator. The manufacturer's instructions and the applicable protocols must be followed.

What is the difference between adult and pediatric pads?

Pediatric pads allow, with a compatible AED, the defibrillation energy to be adjusted for young patients. Some devices use shared pads with a child mode, while others require separate pads.

Should a CPE have an AED?

An AED can be part of a CPE's emergency preparedness measures. The choice of device must take into account the age of the children, staff training and the appropriate pediatric accessories. Specific obligations should be checked under the framework that applies to the facility.

Do all Quebec schools have to have a defibrillator?

In 2024, the Quebec government announced a program to equip all public schools. This initiative should not automatically be read as an identical obligation for all private schools and daycares.

Where should you install an AED in a school?

The device should be placed in a central, visible and easily accessible location. Main corridors, common areas and areas near sports facilities can make sense depending on the layout of the building.

Can employees without medical training use an AED?

Defibrillators intended for the general public are designed to guide users with voice or visual prompts. CPR and AED training is still strongly recommended.

How often should pediatric pads be replaced?

You must follow the expiry date shown on the package and the manufacturer's instructions. Pads must also be replaced after use or when their condition requires it.

Do you need a different defibrillator for staff and for children?

Not necessarily. Several AEDs allow adult and pediatric use, with the appropriate settings or accessories. What matters is knowing the exact capabilities of the model you choose.

Who should be responsible for AED maintenance in a school?

The facility or the responsible organization should assign a person or department to handle follow-up. This responsibility may fall to administration, facilities or a designated team. Inspections should be documented.