EMT Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-2201 | Small Patients, Big Challenges
EMT Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-2201 | Small Patients, Big Challenges starts with an introduction to this important topic. Though the percentage of Pediatric Emergency calls are less, they are among the most emotionally and clinically challenging situations EMTs can face. This course specifically focuses on Emergency Medical Technicians , focusing on assessment principles, respiratory emergencies, medication administration, trauma management, and realistic case scenarios.
The lessons covered are
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Pediatric Emergencies for EMTs
- Lesson 2: Detailed Pediatric Assessment
- Lesson 3: Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies
- Lesson 4: Pediatric Medication Administration, and,
- Lesson 5: Pediatric Trauma and Case Studies
Excerpt from EMT Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-2201 | Small Patients, Big Challenges
Our primary assessment follows the ABCDE approach you’re all familiar with, but with kids, we need some specific modifications to get it right.
For airway, remember that infants and young children have proportionately larger heads, which can create airway compromise when in a supine position because the airway will bend and narrow. A small towel under the shoulders can be a game-changer for positioning. And if you’re suspecting a cervical injury, modify to a jaw thrust rather than a head-tilt.
When assessing breathing, take the full minute to count – kids have much more irregular respiratory patterns. Watch that chest movement – is it symmetric and Adequate?
For circulation, know your pulse locations by age. In infants under 1, go for brachial or femoral pulses. In older kids, the carotid works like adults.
Disability assessment needs to match their developmental stage. Av-po works for all ages, but when using Glasgow, use the pediatric modifications for younger patients.
And exposure? Yes, we need a complete assessment, but balance this with thermal management. Kids lose heat fast with that larger surface area-to-mass ratio. I use the ‘expose, assess, cover’ approach – one body area at a time. Trust me, preventing hypothermia is worth the extra few seconds this takes.
Core Concepts & Takeaways
- Demonstrate the proper use of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) to rapidly evaluate pediatric patients without equipment, correctly identifying abnormal findings in appearance (TICLS mnemonic), work of breathing, and circulation to skin.
- Differentiate between respiratory distress and respiratory failure in pediatric patients by recognizing at least four transition indicators and implementing appropriate EMT-level interventions, including oxygen delivery and ventilation techniques.
- Apply age-appropriate medication administration techniques for pediatric patients, including proper weight estimation using length-based tools and adherence to the Six Rights of medication administration.
- Implement appropriate pediatric trauma management strategies, including modified assessment techniques, age-specific hemorrhage control, proper spinal motion restriction, and recognition of compensated versus decompensated shock. And,
- Identify red flags in pediatric assessment that require immediate intervention, including pathological quiet, poor consolability, abnormal cry patterns, and signs of impending decompensation, and formulate appropriate transport decisions.
Important Notes:
To get credit for this course, you must watch all the lessons in their entirety, the course review, and pass the quiz at the end with a score of 75% or better.
Course Curriculum
EMT Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-2201 | Small Patients, Big Challenges
-
Lesson 0 – Introduction
02:23 -
Lesson 1 – Introduction to Pediatric Emergencies
09:28 -
Lesson 2 – Detailed Pediatric Assessment
14:21 -
Lesson 3 – Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies
10:39 -
Lesson 4 – Pediatric Medication Administration
14:13 -
Lesson 5 – Pediatric Trauma & Case Studies
12:05 -
Lesson 6 – Chapter Review
05:49 -
Small Patients Big Challenges EMT Quiz
Course Evaluation
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An application for accreditation has been submitted to the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education.
Disclosure: The planners, faculty, and content developers of this activity have no relevant financial relationships or commercial interests to disclose. No commercial support was received for this activity.
