Calculating paediatric doses using WETFLAG

For emergency situations where a patient's weight is unknown, the WETFLAG mnemonic may help with dosing until an actual weight is obtained

• Weight:
  • 1 - 5 years old: (Age * 2) + 8
  • 6 - 12 years old: (Age * 3) + 7
• Energy: 4J/kg
• Tube size: (Age/4) + 4 (cm)
• Fluids: 20ml/kg normal saline bolus (10ml/kg if trauma or in heart failure)
• Lorazepam: 0.1mg/kg
• Adrenaline: 10 micrograms/kg
• Glucose: 2ml/kg of 10% dextrose

Note 1: local protocols may vary within the UK and abroad but are similar to the above based on APLS guidelines.

Note 2: For large children it is important to consider (1) whether an adult dose should be used, and (2) doses prescribed based on weight do not exceed the adult dose.