Track 31: Pediatric Emergency

Pediatric emergency medicine is a specialized field focusing on the immediate evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses or injuries in infants, children, and adolescents. Because children have unique physiological and psychological needs, emergencies involving them require specially trained healthcare professionals and age-appropriate care protocols.

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Common Pediatric Emergencies

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Key Components of Pediatric Emergency Care

• Respiratory distress: e.g., asthma attacks, bronchiolitis, croup

• Febrile seizures: often associated with high fevers

• Trauma and injuries: falls, fractures, head injuries

• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: usually from gastroenteritis

• Poisoning or toxic ingestion

• Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis

• Infectious diseases: sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia

• Congenital or metabolic conditions presenting acutely

• Age-specific assessment: Recognizing normal vital signs and symptoms by age

• Rapid intervention: Airway management, oxygen therapy, IV access

• Family-centered care: Communicating effectively with guardians

• Multidisciplinary coordination: Involving pediatricians, emergency physicians, surgeons, and nurses

• Use of pediatric equipment: Scaled for size and physiology of children