Pediatric Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Presented by: Dr. Jen Anders; Johns Hopkins University

Room 205

Pediatric Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (POHCA) occur in Maryland almost daily and the survival rate is low. Survival is directly impacted by the response of everyone in the Chain of Survival. First, the caregivers (family, friends, child care) need to create safe environments and recognize when a child is in distress or arrest and take action – CPR, AED, and 9-1-1 call. Then – the focus is High-Performance CPR for infants, children, and adults (okay teens). Pediatric HPCPR starts with EMD instructions to the layperson to start and continue CPR & use an AED if present. Pediatric HPCPR depends upon early, high-quality CPR (rate, depth, and recoil), rapid defibrillations, and remaining in place. Pediatric HPCPR requires ALS to focus on Epinephrine before intubation. Children are NOT small adults – the equipment is different sizes. But they deserve the same intentional on-scene time, standardized range of dosages, and precision in CPR from Clinicians. Dr. Jen Anders has a challenge for every station – “It is in your hands” learn what needs to change in the delivery of CPR to children. Stay and practice on manikins that give feedback.

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 

1. Review the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric out of hospital cardiac arrest
2. Describe the on-scene timeline and critical steps in pediatric HPCPR
3. Discuss strategies to empower the public to start CPR on infants & children
4. Demonstrate the ability to perform pediatric HPCPR on ‘smart’ manikins (that are available in every EMS Region)

THIS CLASS HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BY MIEMSS