You have been called to a preschool for a seizing child. On arrival, staff directs you to a bed in which a 4-year-old boy is lying. Staff state that the child began making 'funny' noises in his sleep, then began to seize for approximately 60 seconds. Your assessment indicates that the boy is responsive to painful stimuli and is breathing, but has gurgling sounds coming from the upper airway. His radial pulse is rapid and strong, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. What is your immediate action in caring for this child?

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

Show less