A defibrillation system for patients of all ages may include an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) coupled to a set of universal electrodes. Universal electrodes may be reduced-size versions of adult electrodes, and may include an opening to lower effective impedance. The AED may include an adult/pediatric mode control or switch. Based upon the setting of the adult/pediatric switch, the AED may perform an adult defibrillation sequence or a pediatric defibrillation sequence. An adult defibrillation sequence may comprise delivery of one or more waveforms or shocks characterized by energies appropriate for adults, for example, 150 Joule biphasic waveforms. A pediatric defibrillation sequence may comprise delivery of one or more waveforms characterized by energies appropriate for children, for example, 50 Joule biphasic waveforms. Another pediatric defibrillation sequence may comprise delivery of an escalating low-energy shock sequence to a patient, such as a 25 to 50 Joule shock, followed by a 65 to 75 Joule shock as necessary, followed by one or more 100 Joule shocks as necessary.