Basic Life Support - Pediatric

Definition

Pediatric Basic Life Support (BLS) is a series of emergency procedures performed to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation in infants and children experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory failure until advanced medical care is available.

Epidemiology

• Cardiac arrest in children is less common than in adults, often secondary to respiratory failure or shock
• Most pediatric cardiac arrests occur at home or in the community
• Leading causes: respiratory distress, drowning, trauma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Early recognition and prompt BLS significantly improve survival
• Survival rates are higher with witnessed arrest and immediate intervention

Etiology

• Respiratory failure: airway obstruction, asthma, pneumonia
• Shock: septic, hypovolemic, or anaphylactic
• Trauma: blunt or penetrating injuries
• Cardiac conditions: congenital heart disease, arrhythmias
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Drowning, poisoning, or drug overdose

Pathophysiology

• Hypoxia from respiratory failure leads to bradycardia and cardiac arrest
• Circulatory collapse reduces perfusion to vital organs
• Brain injury occurs rapidly due to inadequate oxygen delivery
• Effective chest compressions restore partial blood flow to vital organs
• Rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs and circulation
• Timely defibrillation in shockable rhythms restores normal cardiac activity