1. The basic approach to pediatric cardiac arrest victims is the same as in for (Fig 58-5: Pediatric health care provider basic life support (BLS) algorithm and Fig 58-6: Pediatric advanced life support pulseless arrest algorithm).
   1. Cardiac arrest is less likely to be a sudden event and more likely related to progressive deterioration of ventilation and cardiac function in the pediatric age group.
   2. Effective ventilation of the lungs is critical because ventilatory problems are frequently the cause of cardiac arrest in this age group.
2. Cardiac compression in infants is provided with two fingers on the midsternum or by encircling the chest with the hands and using the thumbs to provide compression.
3. Defibrillation is less frequently necessary in children, but the same principles apply as in adults. (The recommended starting energy is 2 J/kg, which is doubled if defibrillation is unsuccessful.)
4. Drug therapy is similar to that in adults but plays a larger role because electrical therapy is less often needed.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

1. History
2. Scope of the Problem
3. Ethical Issues: Do Not Resuscitate Orders in the Operating Room
4. Components of Resuscitation
5. Pharmacologic Therapy
6. Electrical Therapy
7. Putting It All Together
8. Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
9. Postresuscitation Care