Pediatric Education and Advocacy Kit (PEAK): Procedural Sedation

Procedural sedation is critical in managing pain and anxiety for children undergoing painful or distressing procedures in the emergency department (ED). Each year, millions of children require procedural sedation in EDs for a variety of presentations, including fractures, lacerations, and abscess drainage. Effective sedation practices not only improve procedural success and reduce trauma but also decrease the risk of adverse outcomes.

PEAK: Pediatric Procedural Sedation provides evidence-based resources and tools to enhance safety and efficacy in pediatric procedural sedation across all ED settings. Research highlights that Pediatric Readiness—including staff training, appropriate equipment, and clear protocols—can significantly reduce complications, improve patient and family experiences, and support long-term positive outcomes.