Pediatric Pharmacists' Participation in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Events

Abstract

The Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) understands the dilemma and varying factors that many institutions face concerning the routine participation of pharmacists in emergency resuscitation events. Acknowledging these obstacles, the PPAG encourages all institutions to strongly consider creating, adopting, and upholding policies to address pharmacists' participation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as evidenced by the impact pharmacist participation has shown on the reduction of hospital medication error and mortality rates in children. The PPAG advocates that pharmacists be actively involved in the institution's CPR, medical emergency team committees, and preparation of emergency drug kits and resuscitation trays. The PPAG advocates that all institutions requiring a pharmacist's participation in CPR events consider adoption of preparatory training programs. Although the PPAG does not advocate any one specific program, consideration should be taken to ensure that pharmacists are educated on the pharmacotherapy of drugs used in the CPR process, including but not limited to basic life support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support algorithms; medication preparation and administration guidelines; medication compatibility; recommended dosing for emergency medications; and familiarity with the institutional emergency cart.

Perception of Pharmacists about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Pharmacy Services in Saudi Arabia

“…[18,33] The role of the pharmacist in CPR was clarified by various kinds of literature. [16,18,19,34] Pharmacists' impact on the CPR code is well documented. [13,35] However, still, some hospital pharmacies have not implemented it, or the pharmacist is not participating in the CPR code.…”

Occult methemoglobinemia in a medically-complex child and the opportunity for pharmacist intervention in the pediatric population

“…Speci cally, we emphasize the emerging role of pharmacists embedded within a pediatric emergency department. [15][16][17][18] In the emergency department, pharmacists provided direct patient care with medication information, including dosing and administration considerations for methylene blue, coordination of critical medication availability, as well as medication monitoring considerations. Furthermore, a pediatric emergency medicine pharmacist collaborated with the medication safety team to document patient intolerance, educate staff on methemoglobinemia risk, and remove benzocaine products stocked for inpatient use.…”

Knowledge of Pharmacists about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Medications in Saudi Arabia

“…One service can be provided by either clinical or staff pharmacy called pharmacy Cardiovascular, pulmonary resuscitation services. [13] The pharmacist can participate in the CPR code, prepare and dispense the medication, dosing calculation, and drug information related to the emergency code. [13][14][15] Basic life support is required for a Saudi license by Saudi Healthcare Specialists and the Saudi center of accreditation of healthcare institutions and international quality management standards.…”

“…[13] The pharmacist can participate in the CPR code, prepare and dispense the medication, dosing calculation, and drug information related to the emergency code. [13][14][15] Basic life support is required for a Saudi license by Saudi Healthcare Specialists and the Saudi center of accreditation of healthcare institutions and international quality management standards. [16][17][18] Participation in the CPR code involves knowledge and skills.…”

“…The competency of the CPR code is required for most hospitals internationally, and the pharmacist's role during CPR is well-known and standardized. [13][14][15] Few studies evaluate the CPR knowledge or competency of pharmacists. [5,14,15,[19][20][21] Most of the previous focused on pharmacists participating in the CPR code services.…”