This interactive lecture explores cardiovascular emergencies in children. Pediatric cardiac arrest is uncommon in the out-of-hospital setting, and survival to discharge from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is very low. The primary cause of arrest in children is usually an asphyxial arrest situation that deteriorates into cardiac arrest. A large number of adult patients who present in cardiac arrest demonstrate ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. In contrast, the incidence of acquired cardiac conditions, such as atherosclerotic heart disease, dysrhythmias, or congestive heart failure is rare in children. Regardless of the type of cardiovascular emergency, early recognition and timely management can reduce the likelihood for serious morbidity or mortality.
After completing this course, the practitioner will be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic approach to the initial assessment of cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest in children.
Discuss common causes of cardiac rhythm disturbances in children.
Discuss treatment options for dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest in children.
Practitioners who successfully complete the Pediatric Dysrhythmias and Cardiac Arrest (ALS Edition) course are eligible for 0.5 hours of continuing education
