Pediatric

Pediatric patients are treated specifically based on their age. For all practical intents and purposes, pediatric patients are patients who are under the age of 8 or have secondary sex characteristics. Older children (acting age appropriate) can be assessed and managed the same as adults. Assessing a pulse on an infant is performed by checking the brachial pulse. The brachial pulse is found in the middle of the the humerus. Capillary refill is a reliable way to determine if the infant is in shock and should always be assessed on infants. To assess capillary refill time, a fingernail is pressed until the color changes to white. Count the seconds it takes for the fingernail to return to it’s normal color. A capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds could mean shock in an infant or toddler. It may be necessary to utilize a distraction to assess an infant or toddler. The jump bag is filled with things that could distract an infant or toddler.

Geriatric

Geriatric patients are age 65 and older. Elderly patients can be difficult to communicate with considering the hearing and vision problems they often have. The key to communicating with a geriatric patient is patience. If the patient wants to tell the EMS crew something, they should let the patient explain at their own pace. History taking may take more time for a variety or reasons, the top reason is the geriatric patient will have much more history than a younger patient.