Pediatric Basics: Age and Growth Characteristics/Psychological Aspects (version 1)

This CD-ROM based training aid provides interactive training for EMS providers involved in pediatric care. The program uses video examples, textual explanations, and on-line testing to convey critical concepts in pediatric emergent care.

Age and Growth Characteristics
Learn to recognize normal behavior and responses in all age group of children as well as what to expect in an emergency. Understanding normal behavior and responses will help you recognize abnormalities. Improve your techniques in interacting with young patients by learning about children's emotional and behavioral development.

Psychological Aspects
Understand the strong emotional responses experienced by the child and the parent or care giver, as well as yourself, when a child is seriously ill or injured. Being prepared to handle not only the physical aspects of your patient, but the psychological aspects as well, can benefit all prehospital care providers.

Pediatric Assessment (version 1)


The most crucial skill you need when you are called to a scene involving a pediatric patient is knowing how to properly assess as well as perform life-saving interventions based on that assessment. This interactive program, which is compatible with the 1994 EMT: Basic Curriculum, uses video and text to lead you through the assessment and intervention steps, as well as skill games and scenarios to help you test your knowledge.

Pediatric Vascular Access (version 1)

Fluid administration is a crucial part of the treatment of pediatric shock. Obtaining IV access in the field can be a real challenge because you not only have to deal with a patient who is likely fearful and distraught, but you must perform a procedure that requires both knowledge and practice. This program will show you the necessary equipment and how to prepare it, how to find a good IV site and how to handle your patient. Additionally, it contains a segment on intraosseous (IO) access.

A Child in Need (Children and Medical Technology) (version 1)

Children with special health care needs are children with any type of disability, including physical or mental limitations. Some of these children depend on technology. Becoming familiar with the special needs of these children can help you provide good emergency care. This interactive CD-ROM explains various medical conditions and equipment you may encounter and explains how those conditions or equipment may affect your assessment and intervention. The CD also introduces you to two children with special health needs, helps you learn how to conduct a home visit so you are prepared for an emergency call and allows you to test yourself, both in knowledge tests and in a simulated emergency.

Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies (version 1)

The respiratory system is to children what the cardiovascular system is to adults. If your pediatric patient is having respiratory problems, you need to act quickly and decisively. This program explains how to recognize respiratory distress and respiratory failure in your assessment and how to intervene. The program also details respiratory conditions you may encounter in the pediatric patient.

Trauma Education for Rural Nurses (TERN) (version 1)

This CD-ROM training program is a companion to the printed TERN student manual and instructor lesson plan, produced for hospital nurses, particularly those who work in rural area.  Three programs, all on one CD, cover Shock, Thoracic Trauma, and Head Trauma, combining text, graphics and audio.  Each program covers basic anatomy and physiology, assessment, specific injuries, and diagnostic procedures.

For more information, please contact Ken Leighton-boster, in Helena at 406.444.3895 or e-mail kleighton-boster@state.mt.us.

For any of these interactive CD-ROM programs, CIT recommends the following minimum computer specifications:

• Pentium CPU or better
• Microsoft Windows® 95  with MPEG video support
• 16 MB memory (RAM)
• 3 MB available hard-disk space
• 6X CD-ROM drive and Floppy Disk Drives
• 256-color Super VGA monitor
• Windows compatible sound card
• MPEG Card Recommended