PEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES-A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

The treatment of children presents particular challenges to any healthcare professional. Since the anatomy and physiology of a child differ significantly from that of an adult, these differences must be considered while treating them. Also children are unable to cope up with the treatment protocol due to anxiety or fear. All these factors combine to produce a situation that may be conductive to medical emergencies, especially those that are induced or aggravated by stress. Emergency situations are the most troublesome in the dental setting. However certain emergencies can be anticipated during and after local anaesthesia, during tooth extraction and endodontic procedures. The pediatric dentist must be well prepared to handle the situation, which involves personal, staff and office preparation. A four-member dental team with preassigned duties should have an organised approach in managing the emergency. The basic plan of action for any emergency situation should include the “PABC” approach; appropriate positioning (P) of the patient, assessment of the airway (A), breathing (B), circulation (C) and definitive treatment (D) in order. Since the primary responsibility of a pediatric dentist in handling an emergency lies in prevention and preparation, the dental team should share their responsibilities with the medical team in the management of the same.