The ETAT guidelines (Emergency Triage, Assessment and Treatment) can be used in developing countries to triage and initially treat sick children.
Steps in the triage process:
(1) Identify any emergency signs and symptoms that require immediate management.
(2) Identify any priority signs and symptoms that require urgent assessment.
(3) Perform a routine assessment for anyone without emergency or priority findings.
Emergency signs and symptoms requiring emergency treatment:
(1) airway and breathing (A & B)
(2) circulation (C)
(3) coma (Cm), convulsions (Cn), confusion (Cf)
(4) dehydration in a child with vomiting or diarrhea (D)
|
Group |
Signs and Symptoms (1 or more positive) |
Emergency Treatment |
|
airway and breathing (A & B) |
not breathing central cyanosis severe respiratory distress obstructed breathing |
manage airway; give oxygen; remove any foreign body from airway |
|
circulation (C) |
cold hands capillary refill > 3 seconds pulse weak and fast |
stop bleeding; give oxygen; give IV fluids 20 mL/kg |
|
coma (Cm), convulsions (Cn), confusion (Cf) |
unconscious convulsing now blood glucose < 2 mmol/L |
manage airway; give oxygen; rectal diazepam; give IV dextrose 10%; position child |
|
dehydration in a child with vomiting or diarrhea (D) |
lethargy sunken eyes skin pinch > 3 seconds |
give IV or nasogastric fluids |
Priority signs and symptoms - A child with 1 or more of these findings needs urgent assessment:
(1) severe wasting
(2) age < 2 months
(3) irritable or restless
(4) pallor
(5) major burn
(6) edema of both feet
(7) lethargy
(8) any respiratory distress
(9) urgent referral from another health facility
Specialty: Pedatrics
ICD-10: ,
