Disaster Planning for the Pediatric Population Principles of Disaster Planning for the Pediatric Population

Unique physiological, developmental, and psychological attributes of children make them one of the most vulnerable populations in disaster situations. 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 the pediatric population through ongoing awareness and preventive practices. Mitigation efforts can also be achieved through education and training of the pediatric healthcare workforce. Preparedness activities include gaining EMSC pediatric facility recognition, practicing pediatric disaster drills, improving pediatric surge capacity, and ensuring that the needs of children are incorporated into all levels of disaster plans. Pediatric response can be improved in a number of ways including enhanced pediatric disaster expertise, altered decontamination protocols that reflect pediatric needs, and 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