ABSTRACT

Cardiac arrest in childhood is usually secondary to hypoxia and is rarely due to primary cardiac disease. The outcome for respiratory arrest alone is often good, but the outcome for cardiac arrest is generally poor, even in children who are successfully resuscitated, as tissue hypoxia and acidosis prior to arrest frequently lead to subsequent multisystem failure. Following successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), management aims to achieve and maintain homeostasis to optimize chances of recovery. Advanced paediatric life support (APLS) courses are run regularly in the UK to help doctors, nurses and paramedics deal with seriously ill and injured children more effectively. Prevention of cardiac arrest by earlier recognition of a seriously ill child will help reduce morbidity and mortality. The current CPR recommendations of the Advanced Life Support Group are given here.