Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

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

Published on: April 7, 2023

Pediatric emergency medical services and their drawbacks

Abdullah Foraih Al-Anazi1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Emergency, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock
|September 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Emergency Medical Services (PEMS) require improvements in training, equipment, and coordination. Addressing these weaknesses is crucial for enhancing pre-hospital care for children.

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medical Services (PEMS) are vital for out-of-hospital care and transport of critically ill or injured children.
  • Current PEMS systems face challenges impacting their effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a literature review of Pediatric Emergency Medical Services (PEMS).
  • To identify key drawbacks within PEMS.
  • To propose strategies for PEMS enhancement.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was performed across major databases including PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library.
  • Articles were selected based on their significance to various aspects of PEMS.
  • Internet searches were also utilized to gather relevant information.

Main Results:

  • PEMS encompass out-of-hospital care and transport, involving diverse specialties like emergency medicine and trauma.
  • Identified weaknesses include ambulance transport issues, equipment deficits, lack of expertise, and inadequate pre-hospital provider training.
  • Examples of medical exigencies highlight these system deficiencies.

Conclusions:

  • PEMS personnel require specific qualifications, experience, and expertise.
  • Responsibility for PEMS should not solely rest on inadequately trained pre-hospital providers.
  • Enhanced training for pediatricians in PEMS and improved collaboration between pre-hospital and emergency department experts are recommended.
Abstract

Keywords:
Drawbacksoverviewpediatric emergency medical services

More Related Videos

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Related Concept Videos

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...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Methods of Documentation III: PIE01:21

Methods of Documentation III: PIE

Problem-intervention-evaluation (PIE) is a systematic approach to documentation used in healthcare settings for clinical decision-making and patient care planning. It is a structured approach to organizing patient data based on problems, interventions, and evaluations. Here's a breakdown of its key features and considerations:
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
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...