Treating a critically ill pediatric patient can make even seasoned emergency physicians nervous. Become more comfortable with this patient population by attending a refresher course, “The 1st 30 Minutes: Initial Management of the Critically Ill Infant,” presented by Jennifer Walthall, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAAP, associate professor of clinical pediatrics and emergency medicine at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Learn about evidence-based strategies that improve clinical outcomes and save lives.

“It’s important to employ early comprehensive and aggressive interventions,” said Dr. Walthall, who noted that initial management is often delayed and suboptimal.

“Having a practiced and preset algorithm is critical to ensuring that no step is forgotten. ”
— Dr. Walthall

“Having a practiced and preset algorithm is critical to ensuring that no step is forgotten. Everyone on the team should be trained in a step-like manner; all decision points should already be thought out. Have equipment available and ready, and have a streamlined process for intervention in place,” she said.

Dr. Walthall hopes that attendees wil be able to either confirm that they are already following the correct protocols and continue to do so with confidence, or learn about something they should add to their treatment arsenal such as a piece of equipment or skill. For example, ultrasound IV placements can improve outcomes.

“I am very passionate about educating and keeping emergency physicians on the cutting edge of interventions and treatment,” said Dr. Walthall, who has spent her career at a Level 1 pediatric trauma center.

Jennifer Walthall, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAAP

The 1st 30 minutes: Initial Management of the Critically Ill Infant
Sunday, Oct. 29
11:30-11:55 a.m.
WCC, Ballroom A