Citation

Dunn RJ, Kim TY, Chaudhari P. Pediatr. Emerg. Med. Pract. 2017; 14(8 Suppl): S1-S2.

Affiliation

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, EB Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

28829536

Abstract

Infants, children, and adolescents are at increased risk for heat-related illness due to their inability to remove themselves from dangerous environments. Evidence shows that morbidity and mortality from heat illness is related to the length of time core temperature is elevated, so rapid reduction and accurate serial measurements are crucial to prevention of organ system damage and death. The primary methods of patient cooling are conduction (ice-water immersion, cold packs) and convection (moisture and moving air). The choice of method used may depend on availability of equipment, but there is evidence that can guide optimal use of resources. This issue presents evidence-based recommendations and best practices in heat-illness resuscitation, including managing children who are obese, have special needs or take medications, and advocacy for prevention strategies. [Points & Pearls is a digest of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice].

Language: en