A Review of the 2020 Update of the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Guidelines (Pharmacology CME)

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• Assess for the presence of a pulse at the initial evaluation and throughout CPR.
• In assessing for presence of pulse, focus on only 1 consistent anatomic location for <10 seconds.
• Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used without attenuation for children aged ≥8 years. For children aged <8 years, pediatric pads or a dose attenuator are preferred. If neither are available, standard AED equipment can be used.
• The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines should be followed for infants in the immediate newborn period (after ED delivery or presenting after a home birth).⁸⁸ For all other children, follow the PALS guidelines.⁶