Management of Adult Patients in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Adult patients often present to the pediatric emergency department (ED) for treatment of a wide variety of diseases. However, pediatric emergency medicine physicians are primarily trained to provide specialized care for children. Studies have shown that the number of adult patients presenting to pediatric EDs has increased significantly since the introduction of the Emergency Medicine Transfer and Active Labor Act in 1986. This article discusses the management of common adult complaints presenting to the pediatric ED. The focus is on stabilization in the pediatric ED and safe transfer to a more appropriate facility.