A 6-year-old male is in severe respiratory distress with inspiratory stridor. He has pale, moist skin, with cyanosis noted around his mouth. The patient is very lethargic and cannot hold his head up. His mother is panicked and reports that he has a history of asthma. Breath sounds are diminished and his vital signs are pulse, 162 beats/min; respirations, 40 breaths/min; blood pressure, 122/66 mmHg; and SpO2, 81%. What would your immediate action be?

EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) services for pediatric patients may include assessing, stabilizing, and transporting them safely.  Some common pediatric emergencies include: Respiratory distress Circulation and shock Seizures and neurological emergencies Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis Traumatic injuries Dehydration  When assessing a child, EMTs should consider: Behavior changes, Vomiting/diarrhea, Urinary frequency, Medication/Allergies, and Medical history.  If the child's condition is urgent, EMTs should focus on the basics: circulation, airway, and breathing.  Pediatric... Show more

EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) services for pediatric patients may include assessing, stabilizing, and transporting them safely. 

Some common pediatric emergencies include:
Respiratory distress
Circulation and shock
Seizures and neurological emergencies
Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Traumatic injuries
Dehydration 

When assessing a child, EMTs should consider: Behavior changes, Vomiting/diarrhea, Urinary frequency, Medication/Allergies, and Medical history. 
If the child's condition is urgent, EMTs should focus on the basics: circulation, airway, and breathing. 
Pediatric vital signs for EMS include: Heart rate, Blood pressure, Temperature, and Respiration rate. 
Vital signs vary with age. For example, a child's heart rate is taken using the brachial pulse until they are about 6 years old.
 
Here are some tips for taking pediatric vital signs:
Count respirations for 30 seconds and double the number
Watch the rise and fall of the abdomen for respirations in children under 3
Take a pediatric pulse for a full minute and document the quality and regularity

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