Paramedic use of the Broselow tape measure

Heyming T , BossonN, KurobeA (2012) Accuracy of paramedic Broselow tape use in the pre-hospital setting. Prehosp Emerg Caredoi:10.3109/10903127.2012.664247

This study set out to assess the accuracy of paramedics’ use of the Broselow tape measure in the pre-hospital arena. The Broselow tape uses a colour coded system to estimate the weight of a child based on his/her length. This provides the clinician with information to facilitate appropriate drug dosing and proper sizing of equipment to enable effective treatment.

Based in Los Angeles (LA), participants in the study included paramedic-level emergency medical technicians trained in the use of the Broselow tape. Standard paramedic practice in LA includes documentation of a Broselow weight for all paediatric patients regardless of presenting complaint.

This prospective study took place over a 12 month period from February 2008 and included paediatric patients under 145 cm tall (the upper limit for use of Broselow tape) who were transported by paramedics to the paediatric emergency department (ED). Subjects were excluded if a preexisting condition prevented proper measurement.