Recent acts of terrorism and disasters have heightened society's recognition of the need for emergency preparedness. Children are especially vulnerable during times of disaster and as part of the network of health responders, pediatricians need to be able to answer parents' concerns, recognize signs of possible exposure to weapons of terror, understand first-line response to such attacks and sufficiently participate in disaster planning to ensure that the unique needs of children are addressed.
A newly revised policy statement and technical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both titled, "The Pediatrician and Disaster Preparedness," provide guidance to pediatricians on how to prepare themselves, their patients and their practices for terrorism and disaster events. The policy encourages pediatricians to discuss issues related to family emergency preparedness as part of anticipatory guidance, and suggests providing families with information on creating a family emergency plan, as well as parents discussing the plan with their children and practicing the plan.
The policy also recommends that pediatricians:
- institute office and home disaster plans;
- participate in community or hospital disaster planning, including drills and exercises;
- work with schools and child care centers in developing disaster plans;
- serve a key role in identifying cases of illness after a chemical, biological or radiological release;
- in addition to the above, provide surveillance for unusual rates of infectious disease that may occur;
- ensure that the mental health needs of children and their families are being addressed and, when needed, provide appropriate referral for mental health services.
The policy points out that hospitals and communities must consider the needs of children in all aspects of emergency and disaster preparedness, and in all hazard plans. That includes appropriate types and numbers of pediatric-trained staff, equipment, medications and decontamination equipment. Hospitals must be prepared to handle circumstances in which patients will be cared for as a family unit and children will not be able to be separated from adults, such as in a quarantine situation.
Because children are often not considered in government and community activities surrounding disaster plans, the policy stresses that pediatricians are essential advocates for children. Grassroots advocacy by pediatricians can include efforts to ensure legislation and funding to support an emphasis on children in disaster planning at every level.
