What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Case Report. Population: Pediatric ventricular fibrillation arrest (n=1). Intervention: Prehospital defibrillation and rapid IO access.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To emphasize the critical nature of early EMS interventions in managing pediatric cardiac arrest cases.

April 15, 2026

Unexpected Pediatric Cardiac Arrest in a Toddler

Key Result

Early EMS intervention, including prehospital defibrillation and rapid IO access, was lifesaving in a toddler with unexpected ventricular fibrillation arrest.

Key Points

To emphasize the critical nature of early EMS interventions in managing pediatric cardiac arrest cases.
Detailed analysis of a pediatric case involving cardiac arrest,
Observation of prehospital intervention practices such as defibrillation and IO access,
Evaluation of rhythm recognition during the event.
Prehospital defibrillation was vital for survival,
Early recognition of arrhythmia patterns improved outcomes,
Timely interventions prevented recurrence and saved the child's life.

Study Design

Type

Case Report

Structured PICO

Population

A toddler experiencing unexpected pediatric ventricular fibrillation (VF) arrest presenting with seizure-like activity

Intervention

Prehospital defibrillation and rapid intraosseous (IO) access by EMS

Outcome

Lifesaving outcome (survival)

This case highlights the critical importance of early EMS intervention, including rhythm recognition and rapid defibrillation, in pediatric VF arrest.

Abstract

This case highlights the vital role of prehospital defibrillation, rapid IO access, and recognition of seizure-like activity as a potential recurrent arrhythmia in pediatric VF arrest. While definitive diagnosis, including echocardiography and genetic testing, occurs in the hospital, early EMS intervention-particularly rhythm recognition and timely shock delivery-was lifesaving in this rare pediatric case.

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Discussion

Cite this study

Cuevas et al. (Mon,) conducted a case report in Pediatric ventricular fibrillation arrest (n=1). Prehospital defibrillation and rapid IO access was evaluated. Early EMS intervention, including prehospital defibrillation and rapid IO access, was lifesaving in a toddler with unexpected ventricular fibrillation arrest.

www.synapsesocial.com/papers/69df2c77e4eeef8a2a6b199e — DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/pec.0000000000003603

Authors

Abiezer Disla Cuevas

Chantel N. Tran

SunHee Chung

Journals

Pediatric Emergency Care

Actions

Institutions

Oregon Health & Science University

Pediatrics and Genetics

References and Citations

Connected Papers

Building similarity graph...

Analyzing shared references across papers

Unexpected Pediatric Cardiac Arrest in a Toddler

Key Result

Key Points

Study Design

Structured PICO

Abstract

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

Cite this study

Authors

Journals

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion