Primary Care Office Preparedness for Pediatric Emergencies

Emergencies do occur in pediatric primary care offices. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine recommends that primary care offices perform a self-assessment of office readiness for emergencies. Primary care offices should develop an emergency response plan to recognize, stabilize, and transfer sick children. They should also ensure their offices have the essential equipment, supplies, and medications readily available in case of emergencies. Primary care offices can prepare and practice for office emergencies through "mock codes" and by maintaining certification in basic and advanced life support courses. Partnership with local emergency medical services and emergency departments will allow seamless transfer of an acutely ill child. Careful planning and preparation will help improve outcomes for emergencies in the primary care setting. [Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(3):e93-e96.].