Paediatric resuscitation--by phone.
OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the training and knowledge of paediatric resuscitation amongst all paediatric residents in New Zealand. METHOD: A validated national telephone survey. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 96 out of a possible 109 paediatric residents. Most had been qualified less than 5 years and a third had received some training in paediatric resuscitation in the last year. The initial dose of intravenous adrenaline was known by 61% but only 10% knew the recommended ten-fold increase in subsequent doses. Recognition of the importance of cervical spine management in trauma was poor. Correct resuscitation fluids and volumes were selected by 90%, though infusion rates were frequently too slow. Residents with paediatric qualifications and greater experience scored significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Many junior paediatric staff are inadequately prepared for resuscitating children. We believe improved regular training is required and that the introduction of a nation-wide Advanced Paediatric Life Support course, subsequent to the completion of this survey, will lead to improved standards. Its effectiveness needs to be audited.