Care of the critically ill child

Abstract

Survival and quality of life after a life-threatening illness are often determined by the initial resuscitation and stabilization therapy. To rely on memory alone for drug and procedural dosages in emergency situations may be hazardous. This was shown by the timed response of 34 house officers in a children's hospital to 15 questions about resuscitation drug and defibrillation dosages, and endotracheal tube size in three pediatric age groups [1]. Incorrect answers ranged from 15% to 29%. Guidelines for managing cardiorespiratory arrest and other pediatric emergencies should be at hand in every emergency room [2], and in many cases, a telephone call to a tertiary care facility to seek advice or to dispatch a transport team to assist in stabilizing and transporting the patient is worthwhile (Kissoon et al., Pediatr Emerg Care 1988, 4:1-4).