Pediatric Disaster Preparedness

The modern world is affected by many types of disasters that result in large numbers of mass civilian casualties. Children are particularly vulnerable during disasters and mass-casualty incidents. There are physiologic and anatomic differences between children and adults that make children particula...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Eun Seok Hong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Korean Society of Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2014-12-01
Series:Pediatric Emergency Medicine Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:http://pemj.org/upload/pdf/pemj-1-2-69.pdf
Description
Summary:The modern world is affected by many types of disasters that result in large numbers of mass civilian casualties. Children are particularly vulnerable during disasters and mass-casualty incidents. There are physiologic and anatomic differences between children and adults that make children particularly vulnerable in disaster. In the event of a mass casualty incident, they need specialized manage include customized supervision, staffing, equipment and supplies. Despite the special needs of children, pediatric preparedness, including customized resources, and clinical specialists, remains limited at disaster medical assistance team and many hospitals. Regular assessment and evaluation of equipment, supplies, leadership assignments, and communication is suggested to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of response to pediatric disaster patients. Coordinated multi-hospital training practices may also help health care facilities prepare for pediatric disaster patients.
ISSN:2383-4897