Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest
04:55

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest

Published on: May 26, 2023

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in children

Antti Kämäräinen1

  • 1Helsinki Area Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Medi-Heli 01, Vantaa, Finland, Critical Care Medicine Research Group, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.

Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock
|October 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cardiac arrest outside the hospital is rare, with survival rates of 2-9.6%. More research is needed on therapeutic hypothermia and goal-directed protocols for these critical pediatric emergencies.

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Prehospital pediatric cardiac arrest is infrequent but has poor outcomes.
  • Advances in postresuscitation care for adults have not translated to pediatric victims.
  • Limited data exists on pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current data on pediatric cardiac arrest in the prehospital setting.
  • To highlight the incidence, outcomes, and current treatment gaps.
  • To inform future research and clinical practice guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and data on pediatric OHCA.
  • Analysis of incidence rates and survival statistics.
  • Evaluation of current evidence for postresuscitation strategies.

Main Results:

  • Annual incidence of pediatric OHCA is 8-10 per 100,000 persons.
  • Survival to hospital discharge is low, ranging from 2-9.6%.
  • Good neurological outcomes are observed in 24-31% of survivors.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence is insufficient to confirm or deny the efficacy of mild therapeutic hypothermia in pediatric post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Goal-directed treatment protocols for pediatric cardiac arrest and postresuscitation syndrome require further evaluation.
  • Improved strategies are crucial for enhancing survival and neurological outcomes in pediatric OHCA.

Keywords:
CPRCardiac arrestchildrenout-of-hospitalpediatricprehospitalresuscitation

More Related Videos

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine05:36

Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine

Published on: January 30, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult01:21

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or they are no longer breathing. The foundation of CPR is Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on the early recognition of cardiac arrest, the immediate start of high-quality chest compressions, and the timely use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).Assessing Responsiveness and Checking the Carotid PulseWhen approaching an unresponsive person, first ensure...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management01:25

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...