Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The recommendation regarding pediatric medical countermeasures could be a
great boon to local, tribal, and state agencies during a disease or bioterrorism sce-
nario. Currently, provision of certain medications for children requires compound-
ing (preparing proportional doses) at the local level, which may add considerable
time to the process of mass prophylaxis. Moreover, greater emphasis on pediatric
capabilities with the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) can provide great
benefit to impacted regions lacking a sufficient number of pediatric specialists.
These recommendations also have more specific local implications. HHS rec-
ommendations include classifying pediatric surge capacity as a required funding
capability in the Hospital Preparedness Program. In addition, the report indicates
the desire that state and hospital accrediting bodies should ensure all hospital
emergency departments stand ready to care for ill or injured children through the
adoption of emergency preparedness guidelines jointly developed by the American
Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the
Emergency Nurses Association. Furthermore, implementation of NCCD recom-
mendations may include congressional funding mechanisms to support restora-
tion and continuity of for-profit and nonprofit health and mental health services
to children.
The final recommendation regarding guidance and best practices on reoccu-
pancy of homes, schools, child care, and other child congregate care facilities in
disaster-impacted areas addresses the need to identify measures to protect children
from environmental risk factors such as lead-based paint and asbestos. Properly
maintained in homes, certain potential environment hazards pose no immediate
threat to children. However, the impacts associated with physical damage, flood
waters, high wind, and other impacts can release environmental hazards, which
have particularly devastating effects on children. Best practices for reoccupancy
can help to prevent exposure to children.
Emergency Medical Services and Pediatric Transport
EMS and pediatric transport recommendations include
Clear designation and appropriate resourcing of a lead federal agency for
EMS to coordinate grant programs, research, policy, standards development,
and implementation.
Improved capabilities of EMS to transport pediatric patients and provide com-
prehensive prehospital pediatric care during daily operations and disasters.
Development of a national strategy to improve federal pediatric emergency
transport and patient care capabilities for disasters.
These recommendations may lead to a federal grant program to assist local, tribal,
and state agencies in improving prehospital EMS disaster preparedness including
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