See pages 8 & 9 of the PALS manual as a starting point. Learn to categorize pediatric
emergencies and use the Evaluate-Identify-Intervene strategy.
Read through pages 10 & 11 and think about how you would apply these interventions.
Next, open your AHA PALS Study Card (also dated 2011). You may use this card during
the PALS course for reference (except during the written test), so you will want to review
each of the algorithms carefully as well as the handy drug information and list of
reversible causes of pediatric emergencies (Hs & Ts).
High quality CPR literally saves lives and preserves function. For your PALS class:
o Be prepared to pass the adult/child 1- and 2-rescuer CPR/AED and infant 1- and
2-rescuer CPR skills test. The resuscitation scenarios require that your BLS skills
and knowledge are current.
o Review & understand all BLS 2010 guidelines, especially as they relate to the
pediatric patient. You will find this information in the BLS for Healthcare Providers
manual (also refer to skills checklists in the PALS Provider Manual on pages
234-237). See www.americanheart.org/cpr.
Deep and fast compressions (100-120/min) full recoil of the chest; but hands maintain
position. Pediatrics: two rescuers: 15 compressions for 2 breaths.
Minimize interruptions to maintain coronary artery perfusion; 1) Efficient switch of roles every
two minutes to avoid fatigue; 2) prepare for rhythm checks / shock delivery and return to CPR
Carefully administered positive pressure ventilation (PPV) - well positioned airway to minimize
esophageal air, just enough pressure to make the chest rise, time for exhalation do not
hyperventilate. Rescue breaths every three to five seconds; with advanced airway every 6
8 seconds; In CPR: 2 breaths for every 15 compressions.
The following pages of tables describe many of the pediatric emergencies you may
face in your PALS case scenarios AND when giving care to children in trouble.
See the AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual dated 10/11for more details
Respiratory emergencies
Most pediatric emergencies are caused by or eventually involve respiratory compromise. If
Most pediatric emergencies are caused by or eventually involve respiratory compromise. If
this is not already an area of strength for you, read pages 12 -17 in the PALS Provider Manual
first.
Respiratory distress:
Respiratory failure:
Categories of respiratory
distress / failure
Selected Causes
Initial Treatment
supplemental oxygen for
all (if possible check pulse
oximeter in room air first)
Reference
2011 PALS
Book pages 3767 p. 46, 58
overviews
p. 44, p. 50-51
p. 44, p. 50-52
p. 44, p 51
Nasal obstruction
Foreign body
Croup / tracheitis /
epiglottitis
Anaphylaxis
Nasal suction
Heimlich if obstruction
Racemic epinephrine /
dexamethasone for croup
IM epinephrine
Tonsilar
hypertrophy, tumor
or mass
Nasal airway
Oral airway if unconscious
Asthma / reversible
bronchospasm
Bronchiolitis - may
hear more coarse
BS than wheeze
p. 44, p 53-54
p. 44, p 53-54
Pneumonia /
aspiration
Oxygen, Continuous
Positive Airway Pressure
(CPAP) if needed
Oxygen, CPAP prn
Oxygen, CPAP prn
p. 44-5, p. 55-6
P. 45, p. 57
PPV
P. 45, p. 57
p. 44, p. 50,
p. 52
p. 44, p. 51
Disordered control of
breathing
Signs and symptoms:
hypoventilation
apnea
erratic breaths
Aspiration
Pulmonary
hemorrhage
Seizure / postictal
Ingestion
Head trauma / child
abuse / tumor /
mass
CNS infection
See the AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual dated 10/11for more details
p. 44-5, p. 55-6
p. 44-5, p. 55-6
P. 45, p. 57
P. 45, p. 57
Shock
Shock is defined as tissue delivery of oxygen and nutrients inadequate to meet the
bodys metabolic needs. Shock can be characterized as compensated or hypotensive.
Tachycardia is the earliest vital sign abnormality in shock. Delayed capillary refill, cool
extremities, & weak pulses are important signs. Untreated compensated shock will progress to
hypotensive shock. For children 1- 10 yrs of age, systolic blood pressure less than 70 mm Hg
+ (childs age in yrs x 2) is considered hypotensive. Hypotensive shock can quickly
deteriorate into cardiac arrest and therefore deserves aggressive intervention.
All patients in shock require fluid resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Fluid boluses for
shock are 10 20 ml/kg infused over 5-20 minutes. Serial fluid boluses are infused until
perfusion is improved. Children receiving serial fluid boluses should be watched for evidence
of heart failure including increased work of breathing, rales or enlarging liver. Patients
unresponsive to fluid boluses may require vasopressors. The most aggressive fluid is
required for distributive shock (especially septic shock). Children with myocardial dysfunction
or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) need smaller, slower boluses.
Look at pages 83 & 107 in the PALS Manual for 2 quick references
Types of shock
Hypovolemic
Usual fluid bolus
is 20ml/kg over
5-20 min
Distributive
Obstructive
Common causes
Gastroenteritis
Third spacing
Large burns
Hemorrhage
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Septic shock
Anaphylactic shock
Neurogenic shock
Tension pneumothorax
Ductal-dependent
congenital heart disease
Cardiac tamponade
Initial intervention
Serial crystalloid fluid boluses
Reference
PALS Book
pgs 69-74;
83; 85-95;
Blood for anemia when available 96-99 107
Smaller, slower boluses for DKA
Aggressive fluid: 60 ml/kg
PALS Book
within the first hour; antibiotics
pgs 69-73;
IM IV Epi; steroids
75-78; 83;
99-103; 107
Needle decompression
PALS Book
Prostaglandin infusion
pgs 69-73;
79-83; 105107
Cardiogenic
See the AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual dated 10/11for more details
PALS Book
pgs 69-73;
78-79; 83;
103-105;
107