This interactive lecture explores the special knowledge and skills required to accurately assess a child with a serious illness or injury. For patients of all ages, the prehospital professional's evaluation includes five steps: scene size-up; primary assessment using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT); history taking; secondary assessment including physical examination and monitoring devices; and reassessment. The primary and secondary assessments have well-defined components that follow the same sequence used for adult patients. However, all five steps in the assessment are somewhat modified.
After completing this course, the practitioner will be able to:
Understand the general impression when caring for a pediatric patient.
Explain the interplay of appearance, breathing, and circulation in the child.
Demonstrate the PAT.
Practitioners who successfully complete the Assessing a Pediatric Patient (ALS Edition) course are eligible for 0.5 hours of continuing education
