You have been called to a local daycare facility for a sick child. At the scene, panicked daycare workers inform you that the 4-year-old child was lethargic all morning and wanted to sleep. After resting for several minutes, she began to 'shake all over.' This lasted for approximately 30 seconds. Your assessment reveals the patient to be responsive to painful stimuli and breathing adequately. Her airway is open and her radial pulse is strong and bounding. Her skin is hot and moist to the touch, with no signs of cyanosis. You are told that the patient has no medical history. En route to the hospital, the patient's mental status improves. Based on this presentation and information, you assume that the seizure occurred secondary to:

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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