Joint Policy Statement-Guidelines for Care of Children in the Emergency Department

The American Academy of Pediatrics released this policy statement to highlight the resources necessary for hospital emergency departments (ED) to care for pediatric patients. Included are guidelines for: administration and coordination of the ED for the care of children; the necessary skills for those who staff the ED; quality and performance improvement; improving pediatric patient safety in the ED; policies, procedures, and protocols for the ED; ED support services; and equipment, supplies, and medications for caring for pediatric patients. Though not specifically disaster-related, this document provides general pediatric preparedness information for all hospitals.