Innovative Electrodes Support Resuscitation in Children

Pediatric electrodes with a built-in sensor help monitor cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality on children up to eight years of age.

The ZOLL OneStep Pediatric Electrodes come with a built-in sensor that assists clinicians to assess how hard they need to push when performing CPR on a child. Designed to be paired with the ZOLL R Series Monitor/Defibrillator and its proprietary CPR dashboard, the electrodes report the actual depth and rate of compressions delivered, as well as other extensive pediatric capabilities such as monitoring, pacing, and defibrillation. An integrated timer gauges the CPR periods for optimal ventilation, while a metronome is activated if the rate falls below 100 compressions per minute. CPR data can also be reviewed afterwards and used for quality improvements.


Using the pediatric CPR also activates the ZOLL See-Thru CPR proprietary filter, which allows clinicians to see if an organized heart rhythm is developing, thus helping to reduce the duration of interruptions to CPR and speed up time to shock, when indicated. In the event of a cardiac arrest—as soon as the pediatric electrodes are placed on the patient—the R Series immediately adjusts its automated external defibrillator (AED) analysis algorithm to pediatric parameters in order to reduce the likelihood that a compensating rhythm will be terminated. This ensures that any unique pediatric electrocardiogram (ECG) morphology will be accurately identified when a shock is indicated.

In addition, The R Series is designed with a focus on simplicity to minimize errors and confusion. When the pediatric electrodes are attached, the shock energy is automatically lowered to a starting dose of 50 joules. The R Series then measures the actual patient impedance and adjusts accordingly, delivering sufficient current for effective conversion while not delivering inaccurate energy to the child. The R Series can be configured to automatically lower the setting to whatever dose is desired, even as low as one joule. The ZOLL R Series Monitor/Defibrillator and OneStep Pediatric Electrodes are products of ZOLL (Chelmsford, MA, USA).

“Too often, clinicians who treat children need to compromise and adapt devices designed for adults because there isn’t a pediatric version available,” said Jonathan Rennert, president of ZOLL. “We recognize that the needs of children are different from adults and have provided a range of capabilities to support the special needs of the youngest patients.”

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