Caring for pediatric patients presents a unique set of problems for emergency medical care; EMS teams can be ready to respond with medical intervention on children with a robust, versatile selection of medical supplies and transport systems designed to meet their needs. Aside from the need for specialized sizes of common supplies like BVMS, airways, ET tubes, electrodes, and the like, caring for pediatric patients also requires knowledge of accurate dosing guidelines for medications. Of course, transporting children also necessitates specialized restraints to ensure safety and security. Additionally, EMS teams may want to have a specialized medical bag designed to keep pediatric-specific care supplies organized for quick access.

Pediatric Transport Supplies

There are many different ways to transport children in an ambulance, but not all are created equal. In 2017, the Na

tional Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) released a set of interim guidelines for the transport of pediatric patients in ground ambulances. While there are currently no crash testing standards for pediatric restraints in ambulances in the US, NASEMSO recommends devices that focus on the securement of the torso and which additionally provide support for the head, neck, and spine of the patient. Furthermore, they recommend that the child restraint, or the combination of sets, should cover a weight range from five to ninety-nine pounds. It is also recommended that the restraints should only be used in accordance with the positions and ranges specified by the device manufacturers.

QuadMed offers a wide range of pediatric transport and immobilization options for EMS providers. The  Ambulance Child Restraint (ACR) is designed to fasten to any ambulance cot and features a color-coded system of four harnesses that covers a weight range of 4.5 lbs to 99.2 lbs, following the NASEMO weight guidelines. Designed in the UK, this harness system is crash-tested to the European BS EN 1789 standards. The ACR can be used in either a sitting or supine position and leaves the chest clear for medic

al intervention like CPR or other treatments without needing to remove part of the harness. This system is also machine washable and folds into itself for compact packaging. Another pediatric restraint system is the Ferno PediMate+, NeoMate, and KangooFix; these three restraints when used in conjunction, covers a weight range of 3.5lbs to 100lbs. These devices are designed specifically for ground ambulance transport and feature a five-point restraint system. The NeoMate additionally includes a Halo Pad designed to keep the infant’s head stable. The KangooFix includes a skull cap to maintain the baby’s body heat and is designed to allow the baby and mother to be transported together in close contact. This system is also EN 1789 compliant. Any child restraint system used in an ambulance should be used within the manufacturer’s guidelines for weight and proper positioning.

Pediatric Reference Guides

Created to be used as study guides, or as quick reference guides, pediatric reference guides provide vital pediatric stats with information such as ideal body weight, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. These guides may also offer guidance on the correct sizing of airway devices and pre-calculated medication dosing guidelines. The Mila Medical Dose By Growth EMS Standard Pediatric Tape offers vital sign parameters, visual signs, and assessment tools and is compatible with the color and weight zones of the Broselow System, and provides a reference for EMS-specific medications to reduce search times. This guide follows the NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines v11-14. The Pedi-Ed-Trics Emergency Medical Solutions Pedi-Wheel is an easy-to-use sliding wheel chart that uses Broselow-Luten and Handtevy color coding. In addition to medication dosages, this guide also references airway sizes, ideal vital signs, and cardioversion and defibrillation energy guidelines. There are a wide variety of pediatric field guides and their use in the field can reduce the risk of medication dosing mistakes.

Pediatric Packs

During an emergency call, rapid response is key and a well-organized system is key to efficiency. A pediatric pack is a great option to keep pediatric care supplies separate and ready to deploy. Pediatric packs are available in convenient fully-stocked options or as empty-bag and module-only options for complete customization. The WAR-E-RS Code 1 Pediatric Kit is a perennial best seller and is available with or without supplies. This kit is available in rugged nylon or an impervious material for easy cleaning. This bag has seven zippered, removable pouches that are color-coordinated with the CrashCards Pediatric Resuscitation System; additionally, it includes five external zippered pockets that offer plenty of room for all types of pediatric emergency supplies. This bag has carry handles and a shoulder strap for easy portability to any scene. The Kemp USA Pediatric Airway Pac offers an ideal way to store and pack out pediatric supplies with a medium-sized bag that can be carried as a duffle, or as a backpack. Including seven removable and color-coordinated pouches, this bag is made of rugged nylon with several external zippered pouches and reflective accents for visibility in low-light conditions. The Thomas EMS Pediatric Pack is available without supplies included, although a separate, fully-stocked fill kit is also available. Included in the pack are eight removable, high-visibility pouches with an interior dry-erase surface, with an attached medication dosage reference chart. This pack is made of durable 1,000 denier Cordura. For those wanting a fully-stocked grab-and-go bag, the Broselow Pediatric Emergency System offers all of the essentials. This kit includes packs for intubation, intravenous, oxygen, and intraosseous procedures. Additionally, this kit provides a Broselow emergency tape, blood pressure cuffs, blood pressure manometer, pediatric BVM, laryngoscope handles, and Magill forceps. Be ready for any pediatric medical emergency with a well-organized pediatric pack.

QuadMed offers a full range of pediatric emergency medical supplies for first responders including pediatric first aid equipment, children’s patient immobilization, and pediatric transport systems, plus medical bags to keep everything organized and ready to deploy.