Ultrasound-Guided Regional Analgesia in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided regional analgesia (UGRA) is a valuable component of a multimodal approach to pain management for children in the emergency department (ED). While widely used in pediatric anesthesiology, its adoption in the pediatric ED setting remains limited despite growing evidence supporting its safety and efficacy. UGRA can provide effective analgesia for pediatric patients with painful conditions while reducing reliance on opioids. However, successful implementation of a pediatric UGRA program requires structured training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and workflow optimization. This review summarizes the evidence base for pediatric UGRA, highlights key pediatric considerations for emergency providers, and outlines strategies for program implementation, including educational resources and system-based approaches to ensure safe and effective use in the pediatric ED setting.

Keywords: nerve blocks; pediatric trauma; point-of-care ultrasound; regional analgesia.