Greetings all from North of the 49th.
I am a part-time EMT with 5 years experience. Today my partner, and I 
responded to a Child S.O.B. call. Upon arrival at scene we found a 10 month 
female being cared for by the rural fire dept. first responders. O/E child 
was lethargic and drowsy, pupils sluggish, resps 'gurgling', and decreased 
air entry to bases. Child had apparantly no history to speak of other than a 
bout of diarrhea about a week ago, which was treated with pedialyte, I assume 
for dehydration. No other meds or allergies. Deciding baby was unstable, we 
initiated rapid transport to local hosp (20 mins away). En route child became 
increasingly dyspniac, eventually going into respiratory arrest shortly after 
arrival at emerg.  Endotracheal intubation was initiated and pediatricians, 
RT's, X-Ray, 12-lead, and lab was called.  Blood gucose was measured at 0.7 , 
and D50 was started.  White count was 32, however temp was normal.  Baby 
continued to deteriorate, eventually showing arrythmias which continued on to 
pulseless V-Tach.  Full pediatric ACLS was performed, with no treatment 
proving helpful, and baby was pronounced some time later, after every effort 
had been made.
        Upon questioning one of the ERP's post-arrest, no explanation was 
given to me regarding possible causes of the arrest.  It has been my 
experience with other follow-up questions that information is hard to come 
y.
        My question is what would/could cause such an arrest?  Also, although 
we were within protocol in our pre-hospital care, is there possibly any other 
treatment that might have had a beneficial effect with our patient? We are 
equiped with the Spacelabs 610 A.E.D, although protocol restricts use to 12 
years/100 pounds.  Although in E.R. defibrillation was performed 5 times, 
ranging from 50 to 200 joules.  I am interested in hearing from anyone with 
experience in this area as to opinions on this call, other people's 
experiences, etc.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
---------------