Alert Medic 1 Discussing the 2025 Pediatric Updates to the Maryland EMS Protocol w/ Jen Anders, MD
Jun 30, 2025
Dr. Jennifer Anders, Maryland’s Associate State Medical Director for Pediatrics and a Pediatric Emergency Department specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, joins to discuss vital updates to Maryland's Pediatric EMS protocols. Topics include mastering intraosseous access techniques and crucial changes in administering dexamethasone for asthma. The conversation highlights enhancements in CPR methods with ECMO and the importance of strong communication between EMS and hospitals to improve patient outcomes. A fresh look at pediatric care that no medic should miss!
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Distal Femur As Pediatric IO Site
- Use the distal femur as an alternate pediatric IO site when proximal tibia is challenging.
- Position the leg straight, locate top of patella, go 1–2 finger-breadths above and medial to the femur before IO placement.
Pick IO Needle By Visible Shaft Marks
- Default to the 25 mm (blue) IO needle for most children and verify shaft markings are visible after contacting bone.
- If you cannot see at least one black mark after contacting bone, remove and select a larger needle to avoid soft-tissue infiltration.
Raise Dexamethasone Max To 15 mg
- Raising the EMS dexamethasone max to 15 mg aligns prehospital care with hospital dosing and reduces redundant ED topping doses.
- Earlier full-dose steroid delivery shortens time to anti-inflammatory effect and may reduce hospital interventions and admissions.
