In pediatric emergency care, accurate weight is paramount. Medications are often dosed based on a child’s weight in kilograms (Kg). Even small errors can have significant consequences. While obtaining an actual weight is ideal, in prehospital settings, it’s not always feasible to obtain an actual weight for a child. This is where reliable weight estimation protocols are crucial.
The challenge of weight estimation
In a 2022 study, it was shown that pediatric patients with a documented weight had significantly lower overall medication dose error rates in the prehospital setting, than those without[1]. Wisconsin’s prehospital providers have taken to improving weight estimation rates through 2024. Wisconsin agencies demonstrated a significant improvement in this area, with the percentage of recorded pediatric weights increasing from 61% in 2023 to over 83% in 2024. This progress underscores Wisconsin’s commitment to providing the best possible care for young patients.
Worth the Weight video
To learn more about the critical importance of accurate pediatric weights and effective weight estimation techniques, we encourage you to watch the following video featuring Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services for Children’s (WI EMSC) Medical Co-Chairs, Lorin Browne, DO and Michael Kim, MD.
By understanding the significance of weight in pediatric emergency care, and implementing weight estimation and weight documentation protocols, we can continue to improve the quality of care provided to children in need.
Learn more
To learn more about the emergency care initiative, visit our website.
[1] Ward, C. E., Taylor, M., Keeney, C., Dorosz, E., Wright-Johnson, C., Anders, J., & Brown, K. (2022). The Effect of Documenting Patient Weight in Kilograms on Pediatric Medication Dosing Errors in Emergency Medical Services. Prehospital Emergency Care, 27(2), 263–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2022.2028045
Written by:
Carissa Brunner, MPH, CLC
Program Leader, Emergency Medical Services for Children