Category Procedures / Tips

Pediatric Difficult Airway

Pediatric Difficult Airway

Respiratory illness, sepsis, and trauma are three important entities afflicting children that may lead to needing to manage a child’s airway. Airway management in the ED is a complex interplay of patient factors, clinical illness status, and provider factors that,…

Frenulum Tear

Torn Frenulum

Have you ever been told that something “isn’t a big deal” only to later find out that it was? Of course, any one who is in a significant relationship with another person has experienced this phenomenon. I, myself, may be…

Incision and Loop Drainage of Abscess

Incision and Loop Drainage

Performing procedures is obviously an important aspect of what we do in the Emergency Department. Our procedural prowess is depended upon by our patients and their families. We have discussed several procedural strategies previously (ex, Suturing, Tongue lacerations, Spinal Tap,…

Absorbable Sutures

Absorbable sutures for facial lacerations

Wound care is a common issue in the ED. Certainly, not all wounds are created equal. We have discussed eyelid lacerations and tongue lacerations. We have also discussed my favorite wound closure technique: tissue adhesives. While tissue adhesives are pretty…

Road Rash

Road Rash Friction Injury

Certainly, pediatric rashes can be a challenge (and we have discussed my “Approach to the Pediatric Rash” previously).  One “rash,” however, deserves particular attention as it is not a Rash at all: it is a Burn!  Let’s remain vigilant for…

Spinal Needle Stylet Hokey Pokey

Spinal Needle Stylet

Certainly, one of the most common procedures in the Ped ED is the lumbar puncture.  We have discussed efforts to ensure that our first attempt is our best attempt: good positioning and analgesia are critical.  We have also discussed how to deal with the…

Epinephrine for SHOCK

Epinephrine for SHOCK

Pediatric shock warrants great concern. Whether it is caused by Sepsis, Hypovolemia, Obstructive process (ex, Tamponade, PE, Pneumothorax), Cardiogenic  conditions, or “K“ortisol deficiency (Yes, I know it should be “Cortisol”… but then it wouldn’t spell SHOCK.) there are many management…