Pediatric Assessment Triangle Calculator
Assess pediatric patients using the PAT appearance, work of breathing, and circulation. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
PAT = Appearance + Work of Breathing + Circulation to Skin
The Pediatric Assessment Triangle combines three observational components assessed within 30 seconds. Each side is rated as normal or abnormal, and the combination of findings produces a clinical impression that guides urgency of intervention.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Toddler with Respiratory Distress
Problem: A 2-year-old presents with wheezing and intercostal retractions but is alert, interactive, and has pink skin. Assess using PAT.
Solution: Appearance: Normal (alert, interactive, consolable, good tone)\nWork of Breathing: Abnormal (wheezing, intercostal retractions)\nCirculation: Normal (pink, well-perfused skin)\nPAT Impression: Respiratory Distress\nThe child is compensating with increased work of breathing but maintaining adequate oxygenation.
Result: PAT: Respiratory Distress | Severity: Urgent | Child is compensating
Example 2: Infant with Altered Mental Status and Mottled Skin
Problem: A 6-month-old is lethargic, has weak cry, no respiratory distress, but mottled skin and pale extremities. Assess using PAT.
Solution: Appearance: Abnormal (lethargic, weak cry, poor tone)\nWork of Breathing: Normal (no distress signs)\nCirculation: Abnormal (mottled skin, pallor)\nPAT Impression: Decompensated Shock\nImmediate IV/IO access needed, fluid resuscitation with 20 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid.
Result: PAT: Decompensated Shock | Severity: Emergent | Immediate intervention needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pediatric Assessment Triangle?
The Pediatric Assessment Triangle, commonly known as the PAT, is a rapid observational tool used by emergency medical providers to quickly assess the severity of a pediatric patient within the first 30 seconds of an encounter without touching the child. It evaluates three components: appearance, which reflects the adequacy of ventilation, oxygenation, brain perfusion, and central nervous system function; work of breathing, which reflects the effort required to breathe; and circulation to the skin, which reflects the adequacy of cardiac output and perfusion. The PAT was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a cornerstone of the Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals program.
How does the PAT differ from other pediatric scoring systems?
Unlike numerical scoring systems such as the Glasgow Coma Scale or Pediatric Early Warning Score, the PAT is a purely observational tool that does not require vital signs, equipment, or physical contact with the patient for completion. This makes it uniquely suited for rapid initial assessment and triage situations where speed is essential and the child may be uncooperative or frightened. Other scoring systems like the PEWS require measured vital signs and may take several minutes to complete accurately with proper equipment. The PAT provides an immediate general impression that guides the urgency and direction of further assessment, while detailed scoring systems provide more precise monitoring data over time. Both types of tools are complementary and should be used together for comprehensive patient evaluation.
How do pediatric calculations differ from adult calculations?
Pediatric dosing is weight-based (mg/kg) or BSA-based (mg/m^2) because children are not small adults — they have different pharmacokinetics. Use actual body weight, check age-appropriate ranges, and never exceed adult maximum doses. The Young formula (age/(age+12) * adult dose) and Clark formula (weight/150 * adult dose) provide rough estimates only.
Is my data stored or sent to a server?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data you enter is ever transmitted to any server or stored anywhere. Your inputs remain completely private.
Can I use Pediatric Assessment Triangle Calculator on a mobile device?
Yes. All calculators on NovaCalculator are fully responsive and work on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The layout adapts automatically to your screen size.
Is Pediatric Assessment Triangle Calculator free to use?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up required. All calculators on NovaCalculator are free to use without registration, subscription, or payment.