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Not only has theAmericanAcademy of Pediatrics provided an invaluable education program, but Pediatric Educationfor Prehospital Professionals, Second Edition by theAmericanAcademy or Pediatrics also delivers a much more comprehensive guide than the previous text. The first edition provided the groundwork for providers to examine the differences between care for the child and adult, and to start a thinking process different from what we had been exposed to in the past. The second edition expands on that foundation and moves deeper into case studies and care, supported by improved graphics and photography.
Although the writing style and information appears geared more toward the advanced provider, the text would also benefit the basic provider. However, because the first edition was an introduction to the course, the second edition could have spent more time transitioning basic-provider information to the advanced level.
ÏPatient AssessmentÓ chapters reach beyond the pediatric assessment triangle and usual ABCs, and into discussions of Ïexpected benefits of treatment, provider comfort levels,Ó and into examinations of transport times in treatment considerations. Information provided in the assessment chapters allows realistic outcome expectations but doesnÌt discredit the emotional aspects of outcome realizations.
ÏControversy, Tips and Blips,Ó are additional bites of information throughout the book. The information is much more than the Ïnice to knowÓ that normally falls out of the curriculum; it brings critical thinking pathways into each area of learning and allows readers to look into controversies of their medical practice.
The subject of disaster management involving the special needs of children is not only timely but also well addressed throughout the specific pediatric issuesÛboth medical and emotional.
ÏChildren with Special Health-Care NeedsÓ has been expanded from the previous addition. Because involvement with these patients may be rare for most providers, the information is invaluable. Also, airway management procedures are better defined in the ÏTechnology Assisted ChildrenÓ section, as well as other skills needed to treat this specialty patient.
The ÏProcedureÓ addition provides many resources beyond the PEPP course and well into daily practice. ÏMaking a DifferenceÓ reminds prehospital providers that our work is a profession and our obligationto the communities we serve extends beyond the daily duties in the ambulance. This point is best defined in this quote: ÏPreserving the health and safety of our children demands constant advocacy and vigilance from all pre-hospital professionals Û to sustain quality pediatric services in ourEMS systems now, and to continue the evolution of EMSC tomorrow.Ó
Beyond accuracy and depth of content, itÌs obvious the contributors to the second edition of PEPP did so with passion and dedication to the care of children. I would highly recommend this book as the pediatric text for all levels ofEMS providers and educators.
Karen Wesley, NREMT-P, is a nationally certifiedEMS educator.
