Current availability of pediatric supplies in resucitation trolleys in Spanish primary care centers

Introduction: Adequate material resources to treat life-threatening emergencies are essential in pediatric medical practice. The purpose of this study is to know the available life support material in primary care centers in Spain.

Material and methods: descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. An online survey form was sent to primary care pediatricians. The responses were collected for six weeks.

Results: 213 professionals answered the surrey, of which 94,4% were pediatricians who worked in different primary care centers in Spain. 91.9% of the respondents had some material to attend a pediatric emergency. However, specific pediatric material was only available in 49.1% of the centers and a pediatric emergency kit to attend patients out of healthcare centers in 46% of the cases. Focusing on the specific items, there was oxygen, a ventilation bag, a pulsioximeter (only 54.8% have an infant sensor), defibrillator, oropharyngeal cannula, blood pressure cuff and intravenous infusion equipment in 90% of the centers. The secretions aspirator was present in 70.5% and the pediatric aspiration probes in 75.8%. Nevertheless, only 33.6% had pediatric intraosseous needle, 32.1% laryngeal mask and 31% intramuscular ceftriaxone.

Conclusion: despite the significant deficiencies in pediatric material resources and staff training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and severe pediatric pathology in primary care centers, most pediatricians feel that they have the required human and material means to treat more prevalent pediatric pathology.