Resuscitation and Emergency Management of Children in Disasters
Chapter from the book: Beşe, G. G. (ed.) 2026. Disaster Academy: Multidimensional Approaches to Disaster Management.

Yasin Hasgül
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health

Synopsis

This study examines the management of pediatric and infant trauma and cardiac arrest in disaster settings in accordance with current international guidelines. It emphasizes that children are at a significantly higher risk of mortality than adults due to their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics. The study discusses the initial assessment of trauma patients, the XABCDE algorithm, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, reversible causes of cardiac arrest (4H–4T), and the essential medications and fluid therapies used in pediatric cardiac arrest. The primary aim of this study is to highlight the importance of a systematic and evidence-based approach for prehospital emergency healthcare professionals managing pediatric patients in disaster environments. It demonstrates that timely trauma assessment and adherence to standardized resuscitation protocols are essential for improving survival rates. Given the limited resources, time constraints, and multiple casualties commonly encountered during disasters, following internationally accepted algorithms is crucial for effective patient management. This study is based on a review of current international guidelines and the relevant scientific literature. The findings indicate that the combined application of the XABCDE approach, high-quality CPR, appropriate defibrillation techniques, and the systematic evaluation of reversible causes (4H–4T) significantly improves resuscitation outcomes in pediatric trauma patients. Furthermore, the appropriate administration of medications such as adrenaline and amiodarone, together with evidence-based fluid management, contributes to better clinical outcomes. The study concludes that continuous professional education, simulation-based training, and regular updates of clinical knowledge are essential to reducing mortality and morbidity among pediatric patients in prehospital disaster medicine.

How to cite this book

Hasgül, Y. (2026). Resuscitation and Emergency Management of Children in Disasters. In: Beşe, G. G. (ed.), Disaster Academy: Multidimensional Approaches to Disaster Management. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub1383.c5596

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Published

July 22, 2026

DOI