Cardiac arrest in children: emerging trends in resuscitation and outcomes in low-resource pediatric emergency departments

Abstract

Pediatric cardiac arrest is a rare but life-threatening condition that often arises from respiratory failure. While survival rates in pediatric emergency settings are generally low, outcomes are significantly worse in low-resource environments. Most resuscitation guidelines are designed for high-resource settings, limiting their applicability in low- and middle-income countries, where infrastructure, staffing, and equipment shortages pose critical challenges. This narrative review explores emerging trends in pediatric cardiac arrest resuscitation in low-resource settings, focusing on the application of basic and advanced life support protocols, telemedicine, and low-cost technologies. Furthermore, we address post-resuscitation care gaps and propose practical solutions for improving survival and neurological outcomes. Key barriers to guideline implementation include ethical challenges, infrastructural limitations, and educational constraints. Tailored interventions, including community-based Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation training and low-cost resuscitation tools, are critical to improving outcomes in these regions. Future research should focus on developing context-specific guidelines and sustainable healthcare infrastructure to bridge the gap in pediatric cardiac arrest care between high- and low-resource settings.