San Diego experts discuss pediatric drowning prevention and emergency response strategies

The government meeting on Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) took place on July 11, 2025, in San Diego City, San Diego County, California. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss strategies and challenges related to pediatric emergencies, particularly in the context of drowning incidents and the effectiveness of emergency medical services (EMS) protocols.

The meeting began with a discussion on the use of enthaloskeletal techniques by EMTs during pediatric emergencies. Participants raised concerns about the effectiveness of these techniques in ensuring proper ventilation and addressing fatigue during resuscitation efforts. The conversation highlighted the unique physiological responses of children, particularly their diving reflex, which can influence survival rates in drowning cases. This is particularly relevant for San Diego, where drowning is a significant cause of death among children.

A key point of discussion was the challenges faced by EMS personnel in stabilizing pediatric patients before transport to hospitals. The group emphasized the importance of pre-arrival dispatcher instructions tailored for children, questioning whether there is data on the effectiveness of these instructions compared to those given for adults. The conversation also touched on international practices, with references to a German study that utilized dispatcher-directed CPR for pediatric patients.

The San Diego Fire system was noted for its age-based approach to CPR, which includes providing rescue breaths for children under eight years old. However, there was a call for further research into the willingness of parents to follow these instructions and the overall effectiveness of the current protocols.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities of managing pediatric emergencies, particularly in low-frequency events like drowning. Participants agreed on the necessity of enhancing training for EMS personnel and improving communication strategies to ensure better outcomes for children in critical situations. Further studies and data collection were deemed essential for refining these emergency response protocols.