About the content
Agitation is a common challenge in emergency departments (EDs), and managing pediatric agitation requires specialized strategies. Without timely intervention, agitation can negatively impact the patient, their family, ED personnel, and other patients. This module provides an evidence-based approach to assessing and managing pediatric agitation in the emergency department setting. Pediatric agitation presents unique challenges that require a structured, patient-centered approach. Understanding how to assess, de-escalate, and intervene effectively—while minimizing restraint use—can improve patient outcomes and enhance overall ED operations. Enroll in this 45-minute module to enhance your expertise in managing pediatric agitation in emergency settings, ensuring safe and effective care for young patients and a more efficient ED environment.
What You Will Learn
- Describe approaches to assessing and identifying clinical features of pediatric agitation in the ED
- Understand common underlying causes of pediatric agitation
- Implement least restrictive interventions, including behavioral de-escalation, calming strategies, and environmental modifications
- Recognize when pharmacological interventions and physical restraints are necessary
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 challenge in emergency departments (EDs), and managing pediatric agitation requires specialized strategies. Without timely intervention, agitation can negatively impact the patient, their family, ED personnel, and other patients. This module provides an evidence-based approach to assessing and managing pediatric agitation in the emergency department setting. Pediatric agitation presents unique challenges that require a structured, patient-centered approach. Understanding how to assess, de-escalate, and intervene effectively—while minimizing restraint use—can improve patient outcomes and enhance overall ED operations. Enroll in this 45-minute module to enhance your expertise in managing pediatric agitation in emergency settings, ensuring safe and effective care for young patients and a more efficient ED environment.
What You Will Learn
- Describe approaches to assessing and identifying clinical features of pediatric agitation in the ED
- Understand common underlying causes of pediatric agitation
- Implement least restrictive interventions, including behavioral de-escalation, calming strategies, and environmental modifications
- Recognize when pharmacological interventions and physical restraints are necessary
