Pediatric Assessment Triangle PAT & ABCDE

Pediatric Assessment Triangle — Red Flags & Quick Triage Calculator

Use the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)—appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin—to triage fast. Spot red flags, then anchor care with a structured approach. Educational only; not medical advice.

Follow local protocols and a licensed clinician’s direction.

Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)

Appearance

Tone, interactiveness, consolability
Look/gaze, speech/cry

Work of Breathing

Positioning, retractions, nasal flaring
Breath sounds, audible noises

EMS education overview

Circulation to Skin

Pallor, mottling, cyanosis
Capillary refill (context-specific)

Related protocols

Structure Your Exam & Know the Red Flags

Airway — open, adjuncts as needed
Breathing — rate/effort, SpO₂, auscultation
Circulation — pulses, perfusion, blood pressure
Disability — quick neuro screen (AVPU / pediatric GCS)
Exposure — rashes, injuries, temperature control

See medical protocols

Red Flags — Act Now

Stridor, severe retractions, silent chest
Cyanosis, poor perfusion, altered mental status
Apnea, seizures, rapidly progressive rash

Recognize urgent patterns

Quick Triage Calculator (PAT-Based)

Check any that apply

Abnormal appearance (poor tone, no interaction, inconsolable)

Increased work of breathing (retractions, grunting, stridor)

Abnormal circulation to skin (pallor, mottling, cyanosis)

Triage

Interpretation: 0 findings = likely stable; 1 = potentially unstable; ≥2 = unstable → resuscitation pathway.

PAT refresher (EMS)

Need help or local guidance?

Consult your organization’s protocols and reach out with questions or feedback.

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Bottom line

Scan with the PAT (appearance, work of breathing, circulation), look for red flags, and proceed with a structured assessment. Use the triage calculator as a quick summary, then follow your local pediatric protocols.

Educational only; not medical advice.