Estimation of pediatric patient weight by EMT-Ps

To determine paramedics' experience, comfort, and accuracy in the estimatio n of pediatric weights, paramedics were surveyed regarding their experience and training in estimating pediatric weights and then were presented with four children and asked to estimate their weights and to calculate the firs t round of Lv. epinephrine dose for asystole according to protocol. Twenty paramedics participated, with 55% stating they were uncomfortable on pediat ric calls; 15 of 20 (75%) stated they were uncomfortable estimating childre n's weights. The majority of estimations were within 50% of the actual weig hts. Based on weight estimations, the epinephrine doses were calculated cor rectly in 88% of all cases. In 10% of cases, the epinephrine dose was incor rect by a factor of 10 times the appropriate dose. The weight range using t he Broselow tape was determined correctly by all participants, with 95% cor rectly reporting the correct dose of epinephrine. Overall, paramedics were accurate in estimating pediatric weights, and use of the Broselow tape impr oved the precision of these estimations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.