Submersion Injuries - Pediatric

Action

• Reassess ABCs, pulse oximetry, and patient’s general status
• Assess need for oxygen
• Assess need for cervical spine immobilization
• Confirm core temperature with rectal thermometer

Decision

Is the patient hypothermic? (<35°C/95°F)

Yes, temp <35°C/95°F, select one:

(<35°C) Apnea or Cardiac Arrest

(<35°C) Labored respirations, O2 sat <95%, or GCS 13-14

(<35°C) Spontaneous respirations, GCS 15, Normal vital signs

No, temp >35°C/95°F, select one:

Apnea or Cardiac Arrest

Labored respirations, O2 sat <95%, or GCS 13-14

Spontaneous respirations, GCS 15, Normal vital signs

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Pediatric Submersion Injuries: Emergency Department Management

Addresses emergency department management of submersion injuries in pediatric patients

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Full Pediatric Submersion Pathway

(<35°C) Apnea or Cardiac Arrest

(<35°C) Labored respirations, O2 sat <95%, or GCS 13-14

(<35°C) Spontaneous respirations, GCS 15, Normal vital signs

Apnea or Cardiac Arrest

Labored respirations, O2 sat <95%, or GCS 13-14

Spontaneous respirations, GCS 15, Normal vital signs