Principles of Disaster Planning for the Pediatric Population

Abstract

Unique physiological, developmental, and psychological attributes of children make them one of the more vulnerable populations during mass-casualty incidents. Because of their distinctive vulnerabilities, it is crucial that pediatric needs are incorporated into every stage of disaster planning. Individuals, families, and communities can help mitigate the effects of disasters on pediatric populations through ongoing awareness and preventive practices. Mitigation efforts also can be achieved through education and training of the healthcare workforce. Preparedness activities include gaining Emergency Medical Services for Children Pediatric Facility Recognition, conducting pediatric disaster drills, improving pediatric surge capacity, and ensuring that the needs children are incorporated into all levels of disaster plans. Pediatric response can be improved in a number of ways, including: (1) enhanced pediatric disaster expertise; (2) altered decontamination protocols that reflect pediatric needs; and (3) minimized parent-child separation. Recovery efforts at the pediatric level include promoting specific mental health therapies for children and incorporating children into disaster relief and recovery efforts. Improving pediatric emergency care needs should be at the forefront of every disaster planner's agenda.

Emergency preparedness of families of children with developmental disabilities: What public health and safety emergency planners need to know

“…3 Unfortunately, American emergency planning and response systems have historically ignored children’s needs, often treating children as miniature adults without regard to their distinctive physiological and emotional characteristics. 4,5 Greater public attention focused on the issue of emergency planning for children after thousands of children experienced separation from their families, emotional trauma, and disrupted daily activities due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 6 Vigorous advocacy continued after the hurricane and led to the release of a national commission report in 2010.…”

“…17 Numerous commentators have noted that parents of children with disabilities need to anticipate and plan for the many disruptions to their child’s daily routines, supports and services that may occur because of power and utility interruptions, environmental and other changes caused by emergencies and disasters. 4,18–21 Major health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Institute of Medicine, the Children’s Health Fund, and the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, have reached consensus about the critical importance of advance planning to adequately address the emergency needs of all children, including those with disabilities. 22 …”

Disaster Planning for Pediatrics

“…Children are often gathered in groups at day-cares, schools, and attractions, which increases the risk of a surge of pediatric patients. 6,7 In recent years, several terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous pediatric patients. The day-cares at both the World Trade Centers in New York, and at the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma were damaged and there were a number of injured children.…”

Pediatric Prehospital Medicine in Mass Casualty Incidents

“…Disaster drill skills can be exercised in collaboration at the local, county, state, and federal levels to test their capacities for which the pediatric victims can be cared for. 41 These exercises need to include all aspects of the pediatric population, particularly those with special health needs and mental health issues. Schools, child care centers, and school buses also require particular attention in disaster drills for these are the settings where children tend to be in large numbers.…”