Date Published
July 3, 2012
Updated For
ALS PCS Version ALS PCS Version 5.2
Question:
Question: In the medical cardiac arrest directive it states, In unusual circumstances (e.g. pediatric), consider initiating transportation following the first rhythm analysis that does not result in a defibrillation being deliver." My question is: What is the age range for a pediatric? Thanks in advance.
Answer:
 Thanks for the question. This has previously been posted. Here was the answer: We know it can be confusing given the various ages that are listed in various spots within the directives and combining this with the "old" directives which listed 16yo. In the preamble of the current directives, the age cut off for pediatrics is defined as 18yo (age and vital signs page in your booklets). Fortunately pediatric cardiac arrests are rare and unusual, and often not due primarily to a cardiac cause. As such, it would be reasonable to consider early transport of these patients following the first analysis that does not result in a defibrillation being delivered.
So, to answer your question: 18yo is the cut off for pediatrics unless otherwise specified elsewhere in the directives.
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