This interactive lecture discusses the most frequent pediatric prehospital medical problem—respiratory disease. Good assessment and early intervention for pediatric respiratory problems can avert serious illness and preventable death and may shorten treatment time in the emergency department.
This course focuses on certain key physical signs and symptoms that will allow the prehospital professional to rapidly assess the effectiveness of gas exchange in the airways and alveoli. It also details the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which is an important first step in determining the severity of disease, localizing the physiologic problem, and beginning treatment.
After completing this course, the practitioner will be able to:
Describe how to assess airway and breathing, including interpreting information from the PAT and ABCDEs.
Differentiate between respiratory distress, respiratory failure, and respiratory arrest based on history, physical exam, and physiologic monitoring.
Contrast the key signs and symptoms of upper airway obstruction versus lower airway obstruction.
Discuss possible complications of assisted ventilation, and outline strategies to identify and correct these complications.
Practitioners who successfully complete Respiratory Emergencies in Pediatric Patients (BLS Edition) course are eligible for 0.5 hours of continuing education
