Citation

Burke RV, Iverson E, Goodhue CJ, Neches R, Upperman JS. Semin. Pediatr. Surg. 2010; 19(4): 265-270.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2010.06.003

PMID

20889082

Abstract

Recent disasters involving pediatric victims have highlighted the need for pediatric hospital disaster preparedness. Although children represent 25% of the U.S. population, there are significant gaps in pediatric disaster preparedness across the country. Disaster planners and others tend to overlook pediatric needs, and therefore plans are often inadequate. To establish an effective hospital and community-based pediatric disaster management system, administrative and hospital leadership are key. Disaster planners and hospital leadership should establish and improve their management of pediatric victims in the event of a disaster through staff training, family reunification planning, and use of available pediatric disaster management tools.

Language: en