🧒 Pediatric Weight Estimation (APLS)
UseUse in emergencies to derive a working weight for drug dosing, equipment sizing, and defibrillation energy.
SourceLuscombe M, Owens B. Weight estimation in resuscitation: is the current formula still valid?
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
The estimate is for emergencies only — when weighing is possible the measured weight always takes precedence. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
When to use
Use in emergencies to derive a working weight for drug dosing, equipment sizing, and defibrillation energy.
How it works
Months: 0.5 × months + 4. Years 1–5: 2 × years + 8. Years 6–12: 3 × years + 7.
Key points
- The estimate is for emergencies only — when weighing is possible the measured weight always takes precedence. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
- Deviation is large in obese or developmentally atypical children.
- Different formulas apply to infants versus older children, so the correct age band must be selected.
References
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Age unit | Months (0–12 months) |
|---|---|
| Age | 3 |
→Estimated weight5.5kg
- Formula：0.5 × months + 4
| Age unit | Years (1–12 years) |
|---|---|
| Age | 3 |
→Estimated weight14kg
- Formula：2 × years + 8
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are the limits and cautions when using Pediatric Weight Estimation (APLS)?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- Does Pediatric Weight Estimation (APLS) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Pediatric Weight Estimation (APLS) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Age unit Months (0–12 months), Age 3 → Result: Estimated weight 5.5 kg（Formula: 0.5 × months + 4） Inputs: Age unit Years (1–12 years), Age 3 → Result: Estimated weight 14 kg（Formula: 2 × years + 8）