Pediatric Cardiac Arrest | Defibrillation, Meds & Family Presence

In this episode, Jakob and I discuss handling pediatric patients in shockable rhythms, including calculating defibrillation dosages—2 joules per kilogram for the first shock and 4 joules per kilogram for subsequent shocks. We delve into antiarrhythmic medications, highlighting that amiodarone and lidocaine are considered equivalent and outlining their dosages. The importance of family presence and communication during resuscitation efforts is stressed, with evidence suggesting it aids in their recovery from traumatic events. A recent trial on standardized intramuscular epinephrine injections to mitigate delays in administration is also explored. Lastly, the episode touches on the impact of socioeconomic factors on pediatric cardiac arrests and emphasizes the role of community paramedicine.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Shockable Rhythms00:05 Dosage Calculations for Defibrillation00:56 Antiarrhythmic Medications02:17 Family Involvement During Resuscitation04:12 The PRIME Trial05:55 Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Statistics07:10 Key TakeawaysReferences:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28009655/https://caep.ca/periodicals/Volume_16_Issue_6/Vol_16_Issue_6_Page_497_-_501_Motillo.pdfhttps://media.emscimprovement.center/documents/familypresencecpg3eaabb7cf0414584ac2291feba3be481_36JegLp.pdfhttps://www.thrasherresearch.org/grant/01695?lang=enghttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10423885/#ems #science #paramedic #emergencymedicine #pediatriccare #prehospitalcare #cardiacarrest #pediatricmedicine #paramedic​ #emt​ #firefighter​#ambulance​ #medic​ #emergency​ #rescue​#firstresponders​ #emtlife​