Implementation of a status asthmaticus treatment protocol during pediatric patient transport

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chief complaints for children presenting to the emergency department (ED) and has a mortality rate of three per every million children. The Center for Disease Control reported 1.6 million ED visits nationwide for asthma exacerbations in 2013. We know delays in treatment can lead to more refractory disease and subsequently worsen outcomes. An asthma treatment protocol would standardize care, making treatment more efficient in the pre-hospital transport setting. The aim for this quality improvement (QI) project is to improve standardized care in the transport setting for pediatric …