22 Practical procedures: trauma
If needle thoracocentesis is attempted, and the child does not have a tension pneumothorax, the risk of causing a pneumothorax is 10–20%. Children who have had this procedure must have…
20 Practical procedures: airway and breathing
20.2 NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY INSERTION Assess for any contraindications such as a base of skull fracture. 1 Select an appropriate size (length and diameter) of airway (see Chapter 5). 2 Lubricate the airway with…
4 Basic life support
The Initial Approach: Dangers, Responsive, Send for Help (DRS) In the external environment, it is essential that the rescuer does not become a second victim, and that the child is…
23 Interpreting trauma X-rays
The name of the child The date and time that the film was taken The orientation (side marker position) The ABCD approach to radiographic interpretation is shown in the following…
21 Practical procedures: circulation
Venous Cut-Down If speed is essential, it may be more appropriate to use the intraosseous route for immediate access, and to cut down later for continued fluid and drug therapy….
13 The structured approach to the seriously injured child
13.2 PRIMARY SURVEY During the primary survey life-threatening conditions are identified. Assessment follows the familiar ABC pattern with significant additions. Catastrophic external haemorrhage <C> A irway with cervical spine control B…
5 Advanced support of the airway and ventilation
Necessary airway equipment Face masks Airways including laryngeal mask airways Self-inflating bag–valve–mask devices Tracheal tubes, introducers and connectors Suction devices Cricothyroidotomy cannulae The airway equipment indicated in the above box…
6 The management of cardiac arrest
Four cardiac arrest rhythms will be discussed in this chapter: 1 Asystole. 2 Pulseless electrical activity (including electromechanical dissociation). 3 Ventricular fibrillation. 4 Pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The four are divided into two groups: two…
11 The child with decreased conscious level
In children, coma is caused by a diffuse metabolic insult (including cerebral hypoxia and ischaemia) in 95% of cases, and by structural lesions in the remaining 5%. Metabolic disturbances can…
25 Human factors
Each of the slices of cheese represents barriers which would, under ideal circumstances, prevent A leading to B. However, all checks and balances can fail at some stage. This is…
