Acute Pain management in ED

• Algorithm for treatment of acute pain in children and adults in the Emergency Department 

• 0 = No Pain – Patient reports no discomfort or pain sensation 
• 1-3 = Mild Pain – Tolerable pain that doesn’t significantly interfere with activities 
• 4-6 = Moderate Pain – Noticeable pain that interferes with daily activities and concentration 
• 7-10 = Severe Pain – Intense pain that is debilitating and prevents normal function 

• Management (Children) 
• Psychological strategies: involving parents, cuddles, child-friendly environment, and explanation with reassurance all help build trust. Also, distraction with toys, blowing bubbles, reading, or story-telling using superhero or magical imagery to make the pain go away. 

• The use of non-pharmacological adjuncts: such as limb immobilisation, dressings for burns. 

Pharmacological agents, via a variety of routes in adults and children described below