About the content
Agitation is a common yet challenging presentation for EMS professionals, and managing pediatric agitation requires specialized knowledge and strategies. If left untreated, agitation can negatively impact the patient, their family, and EMS personnel. This module provides an evidence-based approach to assessing and managing agitated pediatric patients in the prehospital setting. Effective management of pediatric agitation ensures the safety and well-being of both the patient and EMS providers. Understanding the underlying causes and appropriate interventions—both non-pharmacological and pharmacological—can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of harm. Enroll in this 40-minute module to enhance your skills in managing pediatric agitation safely and effectively, ensuring the best possible outcomes for young patients and EMS personnel alike.
What You Will Learn
- Recognize and assess clinical features of pediatric agitation in prehospital settings
- Identify common underlying causes of agitation in children
- Determine when to seek online or offline medical direction
- Implement least restrictive interventions, including verbal de-escalation and environmental modification
- Understand when pharmacological interventions and physical restraints are necessary
- Consider appropriate transport destinations for agitated pediatric patients
Acknowledgements
Created by
EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center

The EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award (U07MC37471) totaling $2.5M with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov
With support from
Pediatric Pandemic Network

The Pediatric Pandemic Network is supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of cooperative agreements U1IMC43532 and U1IMC45814 with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The content presented here is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.
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You are free to download and share this work for noncommercial purposes, as long as you credit the Pediatric Pandemic Network and the EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center for the original creation.
Enrollment options
Agitation is a common yet challenging presentation for EMS professionals, and managing pediatric agitation requires specialized knowledge and strategies. If left untreated, agitation can negatively impact the patient, their family, and EMS personnel. This module provides an evidence-based approach to assessing and managing agitated pediatric patients in the prehospital setting. Effective management of pediatric agitation ensures the safety and well-being of both the patient and EMS providers. Understanding the underlying causes and appropriate interventions—both non-pharmacological and pharmacological—can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of harm. Enroll in this 40-minute module to enhance your skills in managing pediatric agitation safely and effectively, ensuring the best possible outcomes for young patients and EMS personnel alike.
What You Will Learn
- Recognize and assess clinical features of pediatric agitation in prehospital settings
- Identify common underlying causes of agitation in children
- Determine when to seek online or offline medical direction
- Implement least restrictive interventions, including verbal de-escalation and environmental modification
- Understand when pharmacological interventions and physical restraints are necessary
- Consider appropriate transport destinations for agitated pediatric patients
