What is the typical age distribution of pediatric cardiopulmonary arrests?
Almost regardless of the underlying disease, the age distribution of cardiopulmonary arrest in children is skewed toward infancy. In published series on childhood cardiopulmonary arrests, 56% (range, 43%-70%) of patients are younger than 1 year, 26% (range, 21%-30%) are between 1 and 4 years of age, and 18% (range, 6%-28%) are older than 4 years. For general emergency medicine practice settings, this finding is particularly important. Equipment and skills preparedness for this young age range are crucial to achieving best outcomes.