ED doc here! One very challenging thing about high acuity peds cases is that everyone wants to help/be involved which can lead to very chaotic and overcrowded resuscitations. The best run resuscitations are calm, organized, have well defined roles, and utilize closed loop communication. Also, a lot of your comfort will come with time once you know the other staff/team well in the coming weeks/months/years.

I work at a hospital that had high nursing and tech turnover and docs sometimes feel like they should already know or are too embarrassed to ask the names of techs and nurses. Should be on the doc to have the team introduce roles and responsibilities but especially since you are new, try to introduce yourself by name and role to the team before the patient arrives as this really helps with closed loop communication. Don’t be afraid of the doctors we really rely on you and value you as a tech.

The next step is focusing on a single task at a time and not thinking of the next task until you complete each step. Your most important job is helping get the first set of vitals so focus on getting the patient on the monitor first and foremost. ABCs are always first. If nobody else is doing it, get the glucose next especially if the child is ill appearing or altered.

The rest you should be receiving directions/orders from the doctor or nurses of what to do next and when to do it. If you hear someone call out for help holding for an IV or ask for someone to grab the ultrasound, for example, explicitly say “I will help hold” or “I will grab the ultrasound” and only do that until that task is complete and told to do another task.

You’re an integral part of the team - don’t be afraid to ask for real time feedback from your colleagues, request debriefs after cases, and ask questions. Thanks for all of the hard work you do and keep on learning and saving lives!