The lessons included are

• Lesson 1: Anatomy and Physiology
• Lesson 2: Growth and Development
• Lesson 3: Assessment
• Lesson 4: Specific Pathophysiology Assessment
• Lesson 5: Transportation

Excerpt from EMS Care EMT Chapter 24-MCIT-F3-2128 | Pediatric Emergencies and Transport 

The pediatric abdomen is a lot more fragile when compared to adults. The abdominal viscera in children are not protected by bone, so many organs like the liver and kidneys are relatively exposed. Also, the bladder is located outside the pelvic area, thereby increasing the chances for injuries.

Besides, the abdominal dimensions also vary greatly. In children below two years of age, the abdominal girth is about the same size as the chest. This circumference starts increasing after the age of two.

When a child gets into an erect posture, there is a reduction in the anterior-posterior diameter of the abdomen followed by an increase in the lumbar region. These changes are fairly gradual and occur from childhood through adolescence.

Vomiting and abdominal pain are common emergencies, so check the child’s airways, breathing and circulation, to rule out any cardiorespiratory process. Vomiting is coupled with abdominal pain as the body forcefully expels the contents in the GI tract.

In infants, it could indicate anatomic defects such as malrotation, volvulus, and intussusception that would require a surgeon’s intervention. If there are triggers to cough, it can result in gagging and emesis, so this is something to watch out for.

In older children and adolescents, gastroenteritis, obstructions, infections, GU, toxins, and diabetic ketoacidosis are some of the causes of abdominal pain.