This invention relates generally to defibrillators and, in particular, to a defibrillator with a built in CPR ("CPR") prompt system. The invention also relates generally to a defibrillator with a built-in Advanced Cardiac Life Support ("ACLS") prompt system. Defibrillators include manual defibrillator, automatic or semiautomatic external defibrillators ("AEDs") and defibrillator trainers. More specifically, this invention is directed to a defibrillator system capable of generating audible prompts and/or visual prompts through an audible prompt generator and a visual prompt generator, wherein the defibrillator instructs a rescuer on performing CPR or ACLS. The instructions are controlled through a prompt generator and may be audible prompts or visual images, or a combination of the two. The prompts may be emitted at a predetermined rate and may be synchronized. This invention is also directed to a method for administering care comprising, providing instructions to a rescuer. The instructions are either CPR instructions, ACLS instructions, or a combination of the two. Both the ACLS and CPR systems are capable of providing instructions for treating both adults and pediatric patients.