Meyburg J, Bernhard M, Hoffmann GF, Motsch J. Principles of pediatric emergency care.
DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2009;
106:739-47; quiz 748. [PMID:
19997587 PMCID:
PMC2788902 DOI:
10.3238/arztebl.2009.0739]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Children account for only a small percentage of pre-hospital emergency patients but are a special challenge for the treating physician.
METHODS
The Medline database was selectively searched for articles appearing up to June 2009. The authors added other important literature of which they were aware.
RESULTS
The broad spectrum of diseases, the wide age range with the physiological and anatomical changes that occur in it, and the special psychological, emotional, and communicative features of children make pediatric emergencies a special challenge for emergency physicians.
CONCLUSIONS
A mastery of basic emergency techniques including clinical evaluation of the child, establishment of venous access, airway management, resuscitation, and drug dosing is essential for the successful emergency treatment of children. We recommend classifying the common non-traumatic pediatric emergencies by four cardinal manifestations: respiratory distress, altered consciousness, seizure, and shock. Classifying these rare emergency situations in this way helps assure that their treatment will be goal-oriented and appropriate to the special needs of sick children.
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