Closing the Gap in Pediatric Pain Management

Managing pain in pediatric patients is a critical aspect of prehospital care. Yet, this remains a challenging area for many EMS providers.   A new study out called “Barriers and Enablers in Prehospital Pediatric Analgesia” sheds light on the complexities of assessing and treating pain in children during ambulance rides. Led by Dr. Hoi See Tsao, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the research identifies key hurdles EMS workers face and suggests actionable solutions to improve care.   Dr. Tsao, a specialist in pediatric emergency medicine with a passion for prehospital care, shared her insights and findings during a recent interview. “When pain in kids is not treated, it can lead to adverse effects such as increased anxiety, decreased pain tolerance, and fear of future healthcare encounters,” she pointed out. The stakes are high, and the study highlights both challenges and opportunities for EMS professionals.