An analysis of prehospital pediatric medication dosing errors after implementation of a state-wide EMS pediatric drug dosing reference.

Prehospital medication administration for pediatric patients is complicated by the need to obtain an accurate weight for correct dosing. This retrospective analysis examined prehospital medication dosing in children 12 years of age and younger after implementation of a statewide emergency medical services (EMS) pediatric dosing reference. Despite implementation of written guidelines, researchers found that 35% of prehospital medication administrations involved a dosing error. Dosing errors were most common for hyperglycemia reversal medications, opioids, and one type of bronchodilator (Ipratropium bromide).