Highest Out-of-Hospital Pediatric Arrest Outcomes: 10 Years and Counting

According to an observational study conducted by the American Heart Association from January 2000 to December 2018, survival rates for pediatric patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) have increased from 19% to 32%. In contrast, survival for pediatric patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains significantly lower, ranging from 5%. Over 50% of pediatric cardiac arrests present with pulseless bradycardic rhythms, including PEA, asystole, and bradycardia with poor perfusion. Ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia account for approximately 10% of initial arrest rhythms and are associated with more favorable outcomes than pulseless electrical activity (PEA) or asystolemyocardial injury during resuscitation. This session will show how Polk County Fire Rescue has maintained the highest pediatric survival rates worldwide for more than 10 years.