ALS MEDICAL
PROTOCOLS
FOR PEDIATRIC
PATIENTS
HENNEPIN
COUNTY EMS SYSTEM
Effective: March 1, 2000
Approved December 9, 1999
By The Hennepin County EMS Advisory Council
PEDIATRIC PROTOCOLS
Page
Part I: GENERAL GUIDELINES
Airway Management.............................................................. 1
Cardiac Emergencies.............................................................. 2
Pediatric IV’s......................................................................... 2
Childhood Weight and Vital Signs Table................................... 3
Part II: NEWBORN EMERGENCIES................................................ 3
Part III: AIRWAY EMERGENCIES
Asthma.................................................................................. 4
Foreign body.......................................................................... 5
Croup and Epiglottitis.............................................................. 6
Part IV. STATUS SEIZURES............................................................. 6
Part V: ANAPHYLAXIS................................................................... 7
Part VI: DRUG INGESTION/OVERDOSE......................................... 7
Part VII: UNCONSCIOUS – UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY....................... 8
Part VIII: SYMPTOMATIC KNOWN DIABETIC................................ 8
Part VIII: PEDIATRIC SHOCK
Standing Orders for All Pediatric Shock................................... 9
Blood Pressure Guidelines....................................................... 9
PCT Guidelines...................................................................... 9
Part IX: CARDIAC EMERGENCIES
Bradyarrhythmias................................................................. 10
Cardiac Arrest States............................................................ 11
ADULT PROTOCOLS (see separate table of contents)
APPENDICES
PART I. GENERAL GUIDELINES
1.
Age
limits for pediatric and adult medical protocols must be flexible. For age less than 13 years, pediatric orders
should always apply. Between ages 13
and 18, judgment should be used, although the pediatric orders will usually apply. It is recognized that the exact age of a
patient is not always known.
2.
Patient
Consent and Refusal: Consent or refusal
of treatment/transport of minors (less than 18 years) must be given by the
child's parent or legal guardian.
Although less desirable, consent or refusal may be given by a
responsible adult (over age 18) caretaker if the parent has deliberately left
the minor in the care of this adult, and the adult is competent and
capable. If unsure whether it is
appropriate to allow someone to give consent or refuse treatment of a minor, a
medical control physician should be consulted.
(Also see Adult Protocols).
3.
Parents
should be allowed to stay with children during evaluation and transport, if
appropriate. The parent's lap is
usually the best place for the examination of a stable patient.
4.
AIRWAY MANAGEMENT:
A.
Airway
Devices
1)
Do
not hyperextend the neck in newborns and infants.
2)
Consider
oral airway of appropriate size for all unconscious patients.
3)
Use
liter flow appropriate to the type oxygen mask being used (simple vs. partial
rebreathing).
4)
For
spontaneously breathing patients in shock, high flow oxygen should be given by
partial rebreathing mask.
5)
Ventilate
using oxygen with pediatric mask or pocket mask when ventilation must be
assisted.
6)
Do
not use a positive pressure valve on patients less than 6 years of age.
7)
If
epiglottitis is a possibility, do not
attempt to visualize the throat or pharynx.
However, if a patient with an airway obstruction has a respiratory or
cardiac arrest, the airway may be visualized with a laryngoscope to rule out a
foreign body.
8)
EOA
or Combitube may be used on adolescents of adult size, at least five feet in
height. The decision should be based on
size, not age. These airways are to be
inserted only in apneic patients unless ordered verbally by the medical control
physician, and should be used with caution in trauma patients.
9)
Endotracheal
intubation (ETI) is not a required procedure but is sanctioned by the Hennepin
County EMS System for various categories of pediatric patients. ETI is to be performed only by paramedics
trained and authorized to intubate and only for those types of patients
specified by the ALS Medical Director.
Endotracheal intubation shall be performed in accordance with the
information and protocol contained in Appendix B and consistent with other
protocols in this document.
10)
Other
airway interventions not required but sanctioned by the System are rapid
sequence endotracheal intubation and transtracheal needle ventilation for
patients that cannot be ventilated by any other means. These interventions must
be authorized by a service's ALS Medical Director and shall be performed in
accordance with the information and protocols contained in Appendices C and D.
B.
Adjunctive
Airway Equipment:
1)
End-tidal
CO2 monitoring: An end-tidal
carbon dioxide (CO2) detector may be used (but is not required) to
accomplish confirmation of endotracheal tube placement and is most reliable in
patients with spontaneous circulation.
This device often is not able to detect CO2 in cardiac arrest
patients due to extremely low blood flow to the lungs.
2)
Pulse
oximetry: A pulse oximeter may be used
(but is not required) for any patient with suspected hypoxemia, in respiratory
distress, or whenever sedating medications are administered. Obtaining a normal pulse oximetry reading
does not negate the need for oxygen therapy as specified in these protocols.
C.
Drug
Administration By Inhalation or Via the Airway:
1) The use of the drug Nitronox for pain relief is not required but is sanctioned by the System. This intervention must be authorized by a service's ALS Medical Director and administered in accordance with the information and protocol contained in Appendix E.
2)
Drugs
administered via the endotracheal tube should be instilled as deeply as
possible into the tracheobronchial tree using a catheter inserted beyond the distal
tip of the ET tube. Drugs may be
administered full strength or diluted in 1-2 ml of normal saline.
5. CARDIAC EMERGENCIES:
A.
Most
critical cardiac states in children are not due to primary cardiac problems but
are secondary to respiratory, airway, metabolic, or infectious disorders.
B.
Most
standing orders for cardiac arrest states follow the adult orders. However,
contact the medical control physician early to have the appropriate drug doses
calculated.
C.
Contact
the medical control physician early when there is a question about the nature
of a presumed cardiac emergency in children.
6. PEDIATRIC IV'S:
A. For trauma and shock of other etiology, start IV's en route.
B.
Hang
IV fluid (versus saline lock) when the administration of multiple IV
medications or the need for fluid volume replacement is anticipated.
C.
Use
minidrip IV infusion sets for non-traumatic emergencies and macrodrip sets for
trauma or hypotensive patients.
D. If IV access cannot be established at the scene in two attempts for patients with non-traumatic problems, begin transport to the hospital. There should be no delay at the scene for IV attempts on children with trauma or in shock - these IV's should be started during transport.
E. Intraosseous infusion is a procedure which is not required, but is sanctioned by the Hennepin County EMS System for use in children under the age of seven years in critical condition when IV access is unobtainable. This procedure must be authorized by a service's ALS Medical Director and performed in accordance with the information and protocol contained in Appendix I.
7.
CHILDHOOD WEIGHTS AND VITAL SIGNS:
|
|
|
|
Heart Rate |
Heart Rate |
Systolic BP |
|
Age |
Kg |
Lbs |
Upper limit |
Lower limit |
Lower limit |
|
Newborn |
3 |
7 |
180 |
80 |
40 |
|
6 months |
7 |
15 |
180 |
80 |
70 |
|
1 year |
10 |
22 |
180 |
80 |
70 |
|
2 years |
12 |
26 |
180 |
80 |
80 |
|
4 years |
16 |
35 |
150 |
75 |
80 |
|
6 years |
20 |
44 |
150 |
70 |
80 |
|
8 years |
25 |
55 |
125 |
60 |
85 |
|
10 years |
34 |
75 |
125 |
60 |
90 |
|
12 years |
45 |
99 |
125 |
60 |
90 |
|
14 years |
50 |
110 |
125 |
60 |
90 |
PART II. NEWBORN EMERGENCIES
1.
In
all situations, minimize heat loss:
A.
Dry
the newborn well.
B.
Increase
environmental temperature.
C.
Fill
two sterile gloves with above-body-temperature (100-104o) water and
place next to newborn.
D.
Use
bunting, swaddler or similar device if patient is stable.
2.
Suction
infant:
A.
During
delivery, suction mouth and oropharynx first, then nose on perineum, before
delivery of shoulders.
B. If meconium is present at birth, suction the mouth and oropharynx first, then the nose, gently, but as completely as possible, prior to ventilating.
C. Monitor heart rate. Cease suctioning if heart rate <80 (monitor apical pulse with stethoscope).
3.
Provide
physical stimulation if respirations are present but depressed. Suction and position for optimal
airway. Do not hyperextend the neck.
4.
Assist
ventilation if respirations are absent, minimal or heart rate <80. Suction and position for optimal
airway. Do not hyperextend the neck.
May use a pediatric mask or pocket mask with supplemental high flow
oxygen. Do not use positive pressure oxygen valve.
5.
Perform
chest compressions if apical heart rate is <80/minute despite
assisted/adequate ventilation.
6.
Transport early. Contact med control physician as soon as possible after
birth. Attempt to maintain body
temperature and assure optimal ventilation and oxygenation.
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
PART III. AIRWAY EMERGENCIES |
|
|
|
A.
ASTHMA ATTACK: |
|
|
|
1.
If patient breathing a)
Begin oxygen therapy. |
|
|
|
b)
Move patient to ambulance and begin transport. |
|
|
|
c)
En route to hospital, may give nebulized albuterol 2.5 mg with
Atrovent 0.5 mg
added. May repeat neb of albuterol
2.5 mg with Atrovent 0.5 mg X1. |
|
|
|
d)
Contact med control physician for patients with continued
moderate-to-severe respiratory distress after two nebs. |
e)
Consider terbutaline or epinephrine 1:1000 – |
|
|
|
f)
If unresponsive to other treatments and in impending respiratory
failure, may consider magnesium sulfate 25 mg/kg IV |
|
|
2.
If patient in respiratory
arrest: |
|
|
|
a) Insert oral airway and begin positive pressure
ventilation. Ventilate with short
insp:exp ratio at rate of 8-10/min. |
|
|
|
b) Insert EOA, Combitube (if patient meets size
requirements or, if authorized, ET tube as soon as possible. |
|
|
|
c) May administer Terbutaline 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 cc/kg) SC –
max dose = .25 mg while awaiting med control contact. |
|
|
|
d) If ET intubated give in-line nebulized albuterol 2.5 mg
with Atrovent 0.5 mg added. May repeat neb of albuterol 2.5 mg with Atrovent
0.5 mg X1. |
|
|
|
e) If lung deflation poor, perform manual exhalation. |
|
|
|
f) Obtain IV access and hang N.S. and attach ECG leads
while contacting med control physician. |
Asthma respiratory arrest continued |
|
|
Asthma respiratory arrest
continued |
g) If terbutaline not already given consider terbutaline
or epinephrine 1:1000 – |
|
|
|
h) If unresponsive to other treatments and in impending
respiratory failure, may consider magnesium sulfate 25 mg/kg IV. |
|
|
|
i)
If patient ET intubated and
becomes agitated from increased level of consciousness, may give either: -
Versed .1 mg/kg titrated up to 1mg IV, IM, or SC. May repeat |
|
|
|
j)
Expedite transport. |
|
|
|
k) Consider Atropine {0.1 mg/cc}. Give 0.02 mg/kg or 0.2 cc/kg IV/IO up to 5 cc for child or 10
cc for adolescent (minimum dose 0.1 mg or 1 cc). May be repeated once in 5 minutes. |
|
|
|
l)
Consider Na bicarbonate {1
mEq/cc} if arrest interval long or upon return of spontaneous circulation
after prolonged resuscitation. |
|
|
B. FOREIGN BODY: |
|
|
|
Standing Orders: |
|
|
|
1.
If the patient is making efforts to clear the airway without success,
you may assist with careful back blows (infants only), chest or gentle
abdominal compressions (per BCLS Protocols) - avoid abdominal compressions in
infants less than one year old.
Synchronize with patient's cough. |
||
|
2.
If the patient has lost consciousness, attempt to open the airway
(use moderate extension and jaw-lift) and ventilate. Reposition and attempt ventilation again
if necessary. If unsuccessful,
perform standard obstructed airway maneuvers for infant, child or adult, as
appropriate. Position an infant with
the head dependent during back blows and chest compressions. |
||
|
3.
Consider direct laryngoscopy and foreign body removal with Magill
forceps. |
||
|
4.
If unable to remove by any method, attempt to blow obstruction past
the trachea with mouth-to-mask ventilation.
Attempt endotracheal intubation if authorized. |
||
|
5.
Transport early. Contact
medical control physician promptly for further orders. |
||
(Airway Emergencies continued next page)
AIRWAY EMERGENCIES
(Continued)
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
C.
CROUP AND EPIGLOTTITIS: |
|
|
|
1.
Keep patient upright at all times when conscious. |
|
|
|
2.
Begin oxygen therapy. Remove
mask if not well tolerated. |
|
|
|
3.
If child is unconscious,
position supine and begin ventilation. |
|
|
|
4.
Place ECG leads. |
|
|
|
5.
Transport early. |
|
|
|
6.
Contact med control physician as soon as possible if epiglottitis is
suspected or distress is marked. |
7.
Consider 5 mg nebulized epinephrine 1:1000 for suspected croup. If unable to neb, may give epinephrine
1:1000 0.01 mg/kg SC. |
|
|
|
||
|
PART IV. STATUS SEIZURES |
|
|
|
1.
Assure patent airway. Begin
oxygen therapy. |
|
|
|
2.
Obtain history: Time of
onset, history of previous seizures, other risk factors such as previous
trauma, illness, or drugs. |
|
|
|
3.
If seizure ongoing >5 minutes and IV access already established,
give midazolam HCL (Versed) 0.1 mg/kg IV over two minutes. (maximum dose = 5 mg) |
|
|
|
4.
If seizure ongoing >5 minutes and no IV access, give midazolam HCL
(Versed) 0.2 mg/kg IM prior to starting IV. |
|
|
|
5.
Contact med control physician for further orders. |
6.
If seizure not terminated within 10 minutes after Versed, give
additional 0.05 mg/kg Versed over two minutes. |
|
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
PART V. ANAPHYLAXIS |
|
|
|
1.
Begin oxygen therapy; assist respirations with PPV as needed; ET
intubate, if authorized, for severe respiratory distress and/or ineffective
ventilation. |
|
|
|
2.
Consider placing venous tourniquet proximal to sting or injection
site and/or ice pack at
sting or injection site. |
|
|
|
3.
May administer epinephrine 1:1000, 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 cc/kg) SC or IM
up to 0.3 cc if patient was exposed to commonly recognized allergen and has respiratory
distress OR hypotension. |
|
|
|
4.
Obtain IV access and hang
N.S. |
|
|
|
5.
If patient meets criteria in #3 above, may administer diphenhydramine
HCL (Benadryl) |
6.
If patient ET intubated and
becomes agitated from increased level of consciousness, may give either: -
Versed .1 mg/kg titrated up to
1mg IV, IM, or SC. May repeat |
|
|
7.
Transport early. |
8.
Consider fluid bolus - 20 cc/kg. |
|
|
PART VI. DRUG
INGESTION OR OVERDOSE |
||
|
1.
Begin oxygen therapy if child obtunded. |
|
|
|
2.
Tricyclic O.D.'s requiring ventilatory support should be
hyperventilated. |
|
|
|
3.
For all significant overdoses, obtain IV access and contact med
control physician for orders. |
|
|
|
4.
For all suspected tricyclic overdoses, also monitor ECG. |
5.
Consider Narcan 0.1 mg/kg IM or IV up to 2 mg. |
|
|
|
6.
Consider Na Bicarbonate 1 mEq/kg IV for tricyclic ingestions. |
|
|
|
7.
If child unconscious and blood glucose <60 mg/dl, consider D50W
1 cc/kg IV up to 50 cc for patients four years or older. For patients three
years or younger, use D25W, 2 cc/kg. |
|
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
PART VII. UNCONSCIOUS - UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY |
||
|
1.
Begin oxygen therapy. |
|
|
|
2.
Obtain available history. |
|
|
|
3.
Immobilize spine if trauma is possible. |
|
|
|
4.
Obtain IV access - Transport early if no IV site available. |
|
|
|
5.
Attempt to obtain blood sample for reading by blood glucose
determination device. |
|
|
|
6.
Contact med control physician. |
|
|
|
|
7.
If blood glucose <60 mg/dl, may give D50W, |
|
|
|
8.
Consider Narcan 0.1 mg/kg IM or IV up to 2 mg. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART VIII. SYMPTOMATIC KNOWN DIABETIC: |
||
|
1.
If patient is conscious, cooperative, and able to swallow effectively, give oral glucose therapy. |
|
|
|
2.
If patient unable to take oral fluids due to altered level of
consciousness: a)
Obtain IV access. b)
May use blood glucose determination device to confirm clinical
suspicion. c)
Give D50W, 1 cc/kg up to 50 cc to patients four years or
older. For patients three years or younger,
use D25W, 2 cc/kg IV. d)
May give glucagon 1 mg IM if IV access difficult or impossible. |
|
|
|
3.
Contact med control physician for: a)
patients with poor response to glucose administration; b)
all patients refusing transport following response to treatment with
oral glucose or parenteral meds. |
|
|
PART VIII. PEDIATRIC SHOCK:
Signs/Symptoms: Cool skin, poor capillary refill, tachycardia, weak peripheral pulses, low BP, altered mental status.
1.
Perform
primary survey. Perform secondary
survey while obtaining history.
2.
If
trauma, immobilize head and spine.
3.
Begin
oxygen therapy.
4.
Place
patient in appropriate size pneumatic compression trousers (PCT) (uninflated)
whenever symptoms of shock are present, i.e., cool skin, poor capillary refill,
tachycardia, etc.
·
Do
not inflate without verbal
order if patient has chest injury or penetrating injury to the neck;
·
For other patients with traumatic shock, inflate
PCT if SBP is less than lower limit for age (see chart below);
·
For
all other hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic conditions, begin transport and
contact med control physician en route for orders regarding PCT inflation.
5.
Begin
transport prior to any other ALS intervention.
Position in Trendelenburg if hypotensive.
6.
Apply
ECG leads after quick-look to establish rhythm.
7.
En
route obtain IV access and hang N.S. using macrodrip infusion set. If IV not possible, may attempt IO access
(if authorized). Contact med control
physician for infusion rate; recommended initial bolus = 20 cc/kg (10 cc/lb).
|
Blood Pressure Guidelines: |
|
|
Age |
Systolic BP Lower Limit |
|
6 mos. 2 yrs. 4 yrs. 6 yrs. 8 yrs. 10 yrs. & older |
70 80 80 80 85 90 |
PCT Guidelines:
SIZE:
·
>100
lbs: use adult pneumatic compression
trousers
·
40-100
lbs: use pediatric PCT
·
20-40
lbs: use toddler PCT ( optional
equipment)
PRECAUTIONS:
·
Use
the lowest effective pressure when inflating PCT.
·
Do
not apply the abdominal compartment above mid-abdomen on any pediatric patient.
·
Monitor
adequacy of ventilation carefully whenever the abdominal compartment is
inflated.
·
Prepare
to suction vomitus when abdominal compartment is inflated.
|
PART IX. CARDIAC EMERGENCIES |
|
|
A.
BRADYARRHYTHMIAS: |
|
|
Heart
Rate Lower Limits for Age |
|
|
Age |
Heart Rate |
|
<
2 |
80 |
|
2 |
80 |
|
4 |
75 |
|
6 |
70 |
|
8 |
60 |
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
1.
Assure adequate airway and ventilation. |
|
|
|
2.
Perform chest compressions if heart rate <80/min. in an infant or
<60/min. in a child after 15-30 seconds of adequate ventilation. |
|
|
|
3.
If evidence of hypotension, poor perfusion or respiratory difficulty,
attempt IV access and hang N.S. If IV
not possible, attempt IO access (if authorized). |
|
|
|
4.
Contact med control physician. |
|
|
|
|
{ } = drug concentration |
|
|
|
5.
Epinephrine 1:10,000 {0.1
mg/cc}. |
|
|
|
6.
Atropine {0.1 mg/cc}. Give 0.02 mg/kg or |
|
|
|
7.
Consider transcutaneous pacing if available and patient unconscious
(See Appendix H). |
|
|
|
|
|
B. CARDIAC ARREST STATES:
General
Guidelines:
·
Most cardiac arrest states
in children are the result of a primary respiratory disorder.
·
The following protocols
outline interventions for cardiac arrest based on the patient's ECG
rhythm. Sections of more than one
protocol may need to be utilized for the patient who changes ECG rhythms during
the course of resuscitation.
·
If at any time during
resuscitation a patient develops ventricular fibrillation, the VF/VT protocol
should be initiated.
·
After multiple rhythm
changes and appropriate standing order interventions, medical control physician
contact should be established.
·
In the absence of
extenuating circumstances, medical control contact should be made prior to
transporting a patient in continued arrest.
|
|
|
|
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
1.
Asystole and Pulseless
Electrical Activity (PEA) |
|
|
|
a)
Institute or continue CPR. |
|
|
|
b)
For pulseless electrical activity (PEA), look for underlying
treatable cause such as hypovolemia, tension pneumothorax, hypoxia,
hypothermia, drug ingestion. |
|
|
|
c)
Assure best possible oxygenation and ventilation. ET intubate (if authorized) or insert EOA
or Combitube if patient is appropriate size. |
|
|
|
d)
Obtain IV access and hang N.S.
If IV not possible, attempt IO access (if authorized). |
|
|
NOTE: If drug dosage calculation is difficult,
contact med control physician for orders.
If not, proceed with drug standing orders below.
|
{ } = drug concentration |
|
|
e)
Initial epinephrine |
|
|
IV/IO:
1:10,000 {0.1 mg/cc} or |
|
|
|
|
|
ET: 1:1000
{1 mg/cc} |
f)
Repeat epinephrine 1:1000 {1
mg/cc}. |
|
g)
Consider Na bicarbonate {1
mEq/cc} if arrest interval long or upon return of spontaneous circulation
after prolonged resuscitation. Give |
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.
Ventricular
Fibrillation/Ventricular Tachycardia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a)
Institute or continue CPR. |
|
|
|
b)
Assure best possible oxygenation and ventilation. ET intubate (if authorized) or insert EOA
or Combitube if patient appropriate size. |
|
|
|
c)
If rhythm unchanged by oxygenation and ventilation,
defibrillate up to 3 times at: (See weight chart on page
3) |
|
|
|
d)
Obtain IV access and hang N.S.
If IV not possible, attempt IO access (if authorized). Transport early if no readily accessible
IV/IO access. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE: If drug dosage calculation is difficult,
contact med control physician for orders.
If not, proceed with drug standing orders below.
|
{ } = drug concentration |
|
|
e) Initial epinephrine: IV/IO: 1:10,000 {0.1 mg/cc} or ET: 1:1000 {1 mg/cc} |
|
|
f)
Repeat defibrillation as indicated at |
|
|
g)
If V-fib persists, administer Lidocaine |
|
|
h)
Defibrillate at 4 joules/kg up to 360 joules. |
(Continued
next page) |
|
STANDING ORDERS |
AFTER OBTAINING VERBAL ORDERS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
i)
Consider additional drugs followed by defibrillation attempts at
4J/kg: ·
Epinephrine – 1:1000 {1 mg/cc} Give 0.1 – 0.2 mg/kg or 0.1 – 0.2 cc/kg IV/IO/ET. Repeat every 3-5 min. ·
Lidocaine {10 mg/cc}. Give
1 mg/kg or ·
Bretylium {50 mg/cc}. Give 5 mg/kg or 0.1 cc/kg IV/IO initially. Give 10 mg/kg or 0.2 cc/kg IV/IO for second dose
in 5 minutes. |
|
|
|
j)
Consider Na bicarbonate {1
mEq/cc} if arrest interval long or upon return of spontaneous circulation
after prolonged arrest. Give 1 mEq/kg
or 1 cc/kg IV up to 50 cc. |
|