Resuscitation - cardiopulmonary resuscitation in infants and children (paediatric life support)

Abstract

In children, severe emergencies and cardiorespiratory arrests in particular are relatively rare but time-critical events. As compared to adults, hypoxic arrests caused by respiratory disorders that may subsequently result in pulseless electrical activity or asystole are more prevalent. The current Paediatric Life Support (PLS) Guidelines 2015 of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) acknowledge both limited scientific evidence and aspects of practicability. They also take into account the rather limitedpaediatric routine that most providers have as well as national and local infrastructural differences. Particular emphasis was put on early recognition and treatment of a critically ill or injured child, hence the prevention of cardiorespiratory arrest and the early start of lay rescuer interventions. There have been no major changes in the 2010 algorithms, including retention of the ABC sequence (airway, breathing, circulation).