WETBAG is a mnemonic popularized during APLS (Advanced Paediatrics Life Support) courses. The mnemonic is used to estimate, during the ”R” of the Sign-In, a child’s weight and calculate medical doses that may be required during the resuscitation of children.
Weight (kg)
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< 1 year: (months / 2) + 4
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1-5 years: (years x 2) + 8
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6-12 years: (years x 3) + 7
Energy
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4 J/kg for defibrillation
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1 J/kg then 2 J/kg for cardioversion
Tube (mm)
Bolus Crystalloid
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20 ml/kg
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10 ml/kg if trauma
Adrenalin
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0.1 ml/kg of 0.1 mg/ml IV for cardiac arrest
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0.01 ml/kg of 1 mg/ml IM for anaphylaxis
Glucose
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2 ml/kg of 10% glucose
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Thereafter glucose infusion