The Pediatric Basic Life Support Algorithm is the foundational pathway for pediatric BLS when 2 or more rescuers are present. It Includes scene safety, compressions, ventilation, and AED use. It also includes activation of the EMS system.
Verify scene safety. If you encounter a potential cardiac arrest victim, first make sure the scene is safe for both the rescuers and the victim.
Check responsiveness. Get help. Check for responsiveness. If they do not respond, get help. The first rescuer should remain with the victim while the second rescuer activates the emergency response system and retrieves the AED and other emergency equipment.
Assess for breathing and pulse. Look for no breathing or only gasping and check pulse (simultaneously). Is pulse definitely felt within 5 to 10 seconds?. To perform a pulse check in an infant, palpate a brachial pulse. In a child, palpate a carotid or femoral pulse. It’s important to minimize delay in starting CPR,
If the victim has a pulse and is breathing normally, monitor them until emergency responders arrive.
If the victim has a pulse but is breathing abnormally, maintain the patient’s airway and begin rescue breathing. Administer one breath every 2 to 3 seconds, or 20-30 breaths per minute. Check the patient’s pulse every 2 minutes. Add compressions if the pulse is less than or equal to 60 beats per minute with signs of poor perfusion. If at any point there is no pulse present, begin administering CPR.
Begin CPR. If a pulse is not identified within 10 seconds, the first rescuer should immediately begin administering CPR, starting with chest compressions. Compressions should occur at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, at one third the depth of the chest. For an infant, use the 2-finger chest compression technique while only one rescuer is present. Once the second rescuer returns, use the 2 thumb-encircling hands technique. For a child, use one or two hands, whatever is needed to provide adequate compression depth. Use a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths until the second rescuer returns. When the second rescuer returns use a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths.
Attempt defibrillation with the AED. Use the AED as soon as it is ready. Follow the prompts on the AED to check for a shockable rhythm.
If the AED advises that the patient has a shockable rhythm, follow the prompts, clear the patient, and deliver the shock (2J/kg). Immediately resume CPR, starting with compressions, for 2 minutes or until the AED prompts you to check the patient’s rhythm again. Compressions should not be discontinued for more than 10 seconds. Continue providing CPR and following the AED prompts until ALS providers can take over or the victim begins to breathe, move, or react.
If the AED advises that the patient’s rhythm is nonshockable or no shock is advised, immediately resume CPR, starting with compressions. Continue CPR for 2 minutes, or until the AED prompts you to check the patient’s rhythm again. Compressions should not be discontinued for more than 10 seconds. Continue providing CPR and following the AED prompts until ALS providers can take over or the victim begins to breathe, move, or react.
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