Resuscitation of children

Abstract

Resuscitation of children is rare but something that most GPs dread. It is important that GPs are able to recognise and manage an arrest situation calmly until further help arrives (usually in the form of an ambulance). The most common cause of arrest in children is respiratory failure; this differs from adults where arrest due to cardiac arrhythmia is more common. The outcome from cardio-respiratory arrest in children is poor, particularly if it is a prolonged arrest; therefore early recognition of the deteriorating patient with appropriate intervention is vital.