Disaster Planning: Preparing for Pediatric Surges Topic Brief-Disaster Planning: Preparing for Pediatric Surges Topic Brief

Pdf Summary

This document discusses the importance of surge planning for pediatric patients during disasters. Surge plans are developed to handle the influx of patients when healthcare facilities exceed their capacity, such as during natural disasters or mass casualty incidents. However, only 47% of emergency departments in the United States have specific disaster plans for children. It is important for surge plans to address the needs of pediatric patients, as they differ from adults physically, psychologically, and psychosocially.<br /><br />The document highlights the challenges in responding to pediatric surges, including the need for pediatric-specific healthcare staff, appropriately sized equipment, and beds. It recommends that all emergency departments should meet established guidelines for staff competencies, equipment, and supplies. Strategic planning should be done to free up inpatient beds, and policies for emergency credentialing of outside personnel should be developed. Plans should also include strategies for family reunification and designated alternate care treatment areas.<br /><br />Collaboration between healthcare leadership, frontline staff, and external agencies is crucial for a successful response to a pediatric surge. Federal partners, such as the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program and the Department of Defense, can provide support in pediatric transport and coordination of national pediatric transport resources.<br /><br />The document provides several recommendations for improving pediatric surge capacity, including just-in-time training for pediatric-specific care, development of policies for emergency credentialing of outside personnel, and flexibility of facilities to accommodate an influx of pediatric patients.<br /><br />Overall, emergency nurses play a vital role in preparing for and responding to events that result in a large number of ill or injured children. Planning, training, logistical support, and collaboration are key in enhancing a facility's ability to provide specialized care for children during a disaster surge.

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disaster planning children

disaster planning mass casualty

disaster planning capacity

disaster planning crowding

disaster planning surge

Keywords

surge planning

pediatric patients

disasters

surge plans

healthcare facilities

emergency departments

pediatric surges

staff competencies

emergency credentialing

pediatric-specific care