skip to content



Return to articles

[Scroll downward for explanations of answers]

Explanation of answers

1- All of the above
Yes, all of the given abbreviations are correct. Remember, although the medical principles are the same for adults and children, the PROCEDURES and the ORDER in which they are done may differ; hence, the Emergency Medical System for Children (EMS-C)
2- Early Defibrillation
Remember resuscitation of children is DIFFERENT because the causes of unconsciousness are different! Defibrillation is only important when CARDIAC CAUSES of Cardiopulmonary Arrest are most likely. SO, it is high on the list in adults (and the occasional child with pre-existing heart conditions). FOR CHILDREN (except those with pre-existing heart conditions) all of the first four mentioned links are the most appropriate - (and in the order given): PREVENTION, Early CPR, Early EMS activation, Early ALS.
3- Get paramedic's there quick
All except number 4 are correct. The most important thing to do for a child in cardiopulmonary arrest is to keep your head, assess the situation and if under 8 years old begin CPR for a minute before calling the paramedic's. Of course, if there are two rescuers present do CPR and call for help at the same time.
4- Prevent it from happening
Yes, it's great for all caretakers to learn CPR techniques; BUT you don't need to become a doctor or carry an Ambu bag with you, and you shouldn't sleep with an infant. PREVENTION is the best way, and all of the items mentioned are known to either cause or be correlated with an increased incidence of SIDS: smoking around them, feeding them honey, lying them on their face and using fluffy bed clothing or toys. While items of the last option are based on fact, prevention efforts are most effective if they are directed toward the most frequent problems for which effective prevention strategies are available.
5- Teens take Drivers ED
I hope you read all the possibilities because even though they were presented in a mildly humorous way they were all true except the effect that taking Drivers ED has on teen automobile safety (surprisingly the classes have increased the number of teen drivers at risk with no improvement in safety). Remember, when considering house rules for children and punishment's the most severe is reserved for behaviors which involve theirs or others safety! These clearly fall into that category, so should be YOUR most vocal, demanding, unrelenting, meticulous, militant (well you get the picture) interventions - consistently, without fail (I just don't seem to be able to stop). And a parents MOST SIGNIFICANT TRIAL of their lives just may come as you think you're almost finished -- teens and cars!
Return to articles

  Pediatric House Calls > Keepin' em Well > EMS-C, Quiz 1