Pediatric Advanced Life Support Update for the Emergency Physician: Review of 2010 Guideline Changes

Important changes were introduced in the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in many parts of the world, and despite important advances in medical science, the outcome of cardiopulmonary arrest is poor. The fundamental changes in the American Heart Association 2010 guidelines include the new recommendation to begin resuscitation with chest compression, airway, and breathing. We will review and discuss how to approach a successful pediatric resuscitation with the maintenance of adequate coronary artery and cerebral artery perfusion and, ultimately, how to improve outcomes in infants and children.