Most of the Indian population live in rural areas where health facilities are still not adequate or present to meet the demand. A great number of sick children are attended by primary health care providers specially working at primary health centers and community health centers. We have no data to say that how many sick children die due to lack of basic facilities in the emergency department. Approximately 23% neonates die due to asphyxia. Though our country has good transport system but it is not well equipped to transport the sick patients. It has also been seen that good number of patients die on their way. “Scoop and run” situation which is common practice at most of places, lead to increase morbidity and mortality. Identification, assessment stabilization, and transport (IAST) course for acutely ill children has been designed for doctors and nurses working at peripheral centres where no specialist or advanced health care facilities are available (Fig. 1.1). This is an Indian adaptation with modification of PEARS course from American Heart Association.
Objectives of the Course
- Identification and stabilization the critically ill or injured child using simple assessment
- Mastering cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills
- Neonatal resuscitation
- Use of laryngeal mask airway and oxygen delivery devices
- Emergency procedures
- Transport of critically ill or injured child
- Developing effective communication skills between doctor and patient.