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CPR in Hypothermic Pediatrics
Question# 942
In the scenario that we have a pediatric patient who is hypothermic, GCS 3 with a pulse of 30, would we expected to patch to with old CPR?
Answer:
The prehospital management of any hypothermic (core temp <35°C) patient, yet alone pediatrics, presents its challenges.
Of note we have previously published a MedicASK question about hypothermia cardiac arrest management, though your specific question requires some more nuance.
One of the interesting aspects of hypothermia is that the temperature not only influences clinical presentation, it also guides treatment.
The core principle, however, is the ability to measure and monitor a core temperature. Prehospitally, this is a challenge, as we only typically carry tympanic thermometers.
Thus, CPR should be initiated and not withheld.
Should you wish to provide further treatment, withhold treatment, or have a consultation with one of the physicians, the patch line is always open and available for you to call and discuss the above information.
Of note we have previously published a MedicASK question about hypothermia cardiac arrest management, though your specific question requires some more nuance.
One of the interesting aspects of hypothermia is that the temperature not only influences clinical presentation, it also guides treatment.
The core principle, however, is the ability to measure and monitor a core temperature. Prehospitally, this is a challenge, as we only typically carry tympanic thermometers.
Thus, CPR should be initiated and not withheld.
Should you wish to provide further treatment, withhold treatment, or have a consultation with one of the physicians, the patch line is always open and available for you to call and discuss the above information.
References
BLS
PALS
UpToDate: Hypothermia in children: management