Aetiology of cardiac arrest in children

Compared to adult patients, children are significantly more likely to experience secondary cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is most often preceded by tissue hypoxia due to respiratory or circulatory failure. These mechanisms may also combine. Unlike adults, children can compensate for failure over a longer period of time. However, failure of these compensatory mechanisms can be rapid, leading to decompensated shock and subsequent cardiac arrest.

Survival outcomes of cardiac arrest are generally poor in children. The priority in critical pediatric patients is to recognize situations that prevent the development of decompensated shock.

Primary cardiac arrest (cardiogenic) is less common in children. It may occur in pediatric patients who underwent cardiac surgery or in children with congenital heart defects.

Specifics of childhood age

For healthcare professionals who do not routinely work with the paediatric population,
navigating the anatomical and physiological differences in children of different ages can be difficult. 

The use of different tools is recommended to break down this stress factor. This may include a phone app (e.g. Pedi Help) or a Broselow tape. We use this tape to measure the child. Then, accordingly to the measured length, we assess the physiological functions provided on the tape and the medication dosage appropriate for the child's age.