New and improved technologies and life-sustaining devices have led to significant changes in the care of patients with chronic illnesses. Advances in medical care have led to the discharge of children who previously would not have survived. For example, children who are born extremely premature or with significant medical conditions are increasingly able to survive and thrive with the aid of medical advances and technologies.
Children assisted by or dependent on technology are a subgroup of children with special health care needs. These children with special health care needs rely on medical devices for their survival. When emergency medical services, or EMS, is called for a child with special health care needs, the prehospital professional must anticipate evaluating and managing any special technology or devices the child may have. Some of these devices are easily visible, and some are not. Regardless, as a prehospital provider, you will need to consider them during your field assessment and management.
After completing this course, the practitioner will be able to:
Describe devices that may be seen in children with special health care needs.
Identify common situations a prehospital provider may encounter in children with special needs who have devices for medical support.
Discuss strategies for management of common medical device issues.
Practitioners who successfully complete the Children with Special Healthcare Needs: Special Technology Devices (BLS/ALS Edition) course are eligible for 1 hour of continuing education
