Pediatric Pit Crew CPR

A reader asks, “Does your Pit Crew CPR process work for pediatrics?” See also: Pit Crew CPR – The Explicit Details The answer is, “Yes!” with some minor modifications. We are developing a class for Pediatric Pit Crew CPR. It has not yet been implemented so consider this a beta version. I hate to give a disclaimer but you should have your Medical Director review this Pediatric Pit Crew CPR concept and the accuracy of our airway chart before using it. Some things to keep in mind: Pediatric cardiac arrest is more likely to be respiratory / asphyxial so there is less emphasis on “patient’s side to first shock” as the arrest rhythm is more likely to be brady/asystole/PEA. However, this rule is not absolute! Hopefully you will know something about the history of the arrest on your arrival. There’s a big difference between a child fished out from the bottom of a swimming pool and a child who was hit in the chest by a baseball. In addition, for the pediatric population we should start chest compressions when the heart rate drops below 60, there are signs of poor perfusion despite ventilation with oxygen. Phase 1: Initiate compressions and ventilations Confirm the patient is pulseless or peri-arrest Start continuous chest compressions at the appropriate rate, depth, and recoil Deploy the the appropriately sized BVM Attach the capnography circuit between the mask and bag Attach the other end of the capnography circuit to the card...
Source: EMS 12-Lead - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: ems-topics patient-management pediatrics Pediatric Pit Crew CPR Source Type: research