Pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest in the emergency department.

A prospective observation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was made at an active municipal pediatric emergency department. Pediatric cardiorespiratory arrest, documented in only 26 patients over a 12-month period, was unusual. Fifteen were less than 1 year old, and four children survived to discharge. Asystole was present in 24 of 26 patients with cardiac arrest. Congenital abnormalities were present in 23% of patients; however, these accounted for 50% of the survivors. The overall survival rate was 15.4%. Suggestions for termination of resuscitation are given.