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Length-based pediatric emergency dosing system with color-coded zones for rapid drug and equipment selection
Measure from crown of head to heel of foot
Estimated Weight
Broselow tape is designed for pediatric emergencies. This calculator provides reference values but does not replace clinical judgment or actual Broselow tape measurements.
Initial: 22 J (2 J/kg)
Subsequent: 44 J (4 J/kg)
Initial: 5.5 J (0.5 J/kg)
Subsequent: 22 J (2 J/kg)
| Equipment | Size | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ET Tube | 5.0 mm (uncuffed) or 4.5 cuffed | Depth: 13 cm |
| Laryngoscope Blade | Miller 2 or Mac 2 | Straight (Miller) or Curved (Mac) |
| Oral Airway | 70 mm | Measure corner of mouth to angle of jaw |
| LMA/i-gel | 2.0 | Supraglottic airway |
| Suction Catheter | 10 Fr | French size |
| NG/OG Tube | 10 Fr | Nasogastric/orogastric |
| Foley Catheter | 10 Fr | Urinary catheter |
| Chest Tube | 24-28 Fr | Thoracostomy tube |
| BP Cuff | Child | Blood pressure cuff size |
The Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape was developed by Dr. James Broselow in the 1980s to improve pediatric emergency care. It uses length-based weight estimation with color-coded zones to provide rapid, accurate drug dosing and equipment selection, reducing calculation errors in high-stress situations.
The tape is placed alongside the child from head to heel. The child's length determines the color zone, which corresponds to an estimated weight and pre-calculated medication doses. All emergency equipment sizes are also indicated for that zone, allowing rapid preparation without calculations.
Studies have shown that length-based weight estimation is more accurate than age-based methods. The Broselow tape has been validated in multiple studies and is considered the gold standard for pediatric emergency dosing. It is accurate for the majority of children aged 0-12 years.
The Broselow tape is widely used in emergency departments, ambulances, and pediatric intensive care units worldwide. It standardizes pediatric emergency care, reduces dosing errors, and improves response times. Pre-stocked color-coded medication drawers further enhance efficiency.
In emergencies, accurate weight may be unknown or impossible to measure quickly. Length-based estimation using the Broselow tape is faster and more accurate than age-based estimates. Length correlates well with weight in children and doesn't require calculation, reducing errors in critical situations.
If you know the actual weight and it differs significantly from the Broselow estimate, use clinical judgment. For most emergency medications, the Broselow dose provides a safe starting point. For medications with narrow therapeutic windows or in obese children, consider adjusting based on actual weight with input from pharmacy or toxicology.
The Broselow tape may underestimate weight in obese children. However, for most resuscitation medications (epinephrine, atropine), dosing based on ideal body weight (which correlates with length) is appropriate. For some medications, actual weight-based dosing may be preferred. Use clinical judgment and institutional protocols.
The Broselow tape starts at 46 cm (approximately 3 kg), which covers most term newborns. For premature or very small infants, actual weight-based dosing is preferred. The grey zone (3 kg) can be used as a starting point for small infants, but use caution and verify doses with neonatology if available.
Many hospitals use color-coded drawers or kits for each Broselow zone containing: appropriately sized ET tubes, laryngoscope blades, IV catheters, IO needles, bag-mask devices, pre-drawn emergency medications, and reference cards. This system allows rapid equipment access and reduces errors during resuscitation.
The Broselow tape is periodically updated to reflect current AHA guidelines and medication recommendations. The most recent edition (2017) includes updates for cardiac arrest algorithms, sepsis management, and new medications. Always verify that you are using the current version and follow your institution's protocols.
This Broselow tape calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. It provides estimates based on the Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape system. This tool does not replace actual Broselow tape measurements, clinical judgment, or current PALS guidelines. Always verify doses and follow institutional protocols. Pediatric emergencies require specialized training and immediate action by qualified personnel.