Pediatric Assessment Triangle

The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) is a quick, visual tool used by healthcare providers to assess a child's condition rapidly. It focuses on three key areas: appearance (how alert and interactive the child is), work of breathing (how hard the child is breathing and if there are signs of difficulty), and circulation to the skin (color and temperature, indicating blood flow). This assessment helps determine if the child needs urgent care and guides further evaluation, allowing for a fast, effective initial understanding of the child's overall health status without invasive procedures.