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Pediatric emergency disaster preparedness: a narrative review of global disparities, challenges, and policy solutions
Chibuike Daniel Onyejesi1, Mohamed Alsabri2, Jose Carlos Del Castillo Miranda3
1Department of Pediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Insights
Pediatric disaster preparedness is insufficient globally, especially in low-resource areas. Enhancing training, resources, and mental health support in Pediatric Emergency Departments (PEDs) is crucial for effective child disaster response.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Disaster Management
- Pediatric Care
Background:
- Disasters significantly impact healthcare systems, with children facing unique vulnerabilities.
- Pediatric Emergency Departments (PEDs) need specialized disaster protocols due to children's specific needs.
- Global pediatric disaster preparedness is inconsistent, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) readiness for disasters.
- Identify deficiencies in infrastructure, training, triage, and mental health support for pediatric populations.
- Propose strategies to enhance global pediatric disaster preparedness.
Main Methods:
- Review of current pediatric disaster preparedness.
- Analysis of insights from past disaster events.
- Examination of global frameworks and existing protocols.
Main Results:
- Significant gaps exist in pediatric disaster preparedness worldwide.
- Inconsistent implementation of international guidelines is a major challenge.
- Resource limitations exacerbate preparedness deficiencies in many regions.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric disaster preparedness requires urgent improvement, especially in resource-limited areas.
- Multi-faceted strategies including enhanced training, resource allocation, and mental health integration are essential.
- Strengthening PEDs is vital for equitable child care during crises.
Background:
Disasters, whether natural or man-made, pose significant challenges to healthcare systems, with children being among the most vulnerable populations. Pediatric Emergency Departments (PEDs) require specialized protocols to address children's distinct physiological, psychological, and developmental needs in other to respond adequately to disasters. While international guidelines for disaster preparedness exist, significant disparities persist across different healthcare settings, particularly in low-resource regions where preparedness measures remain inadequate. This review examines the current state of pediatric disaster preparedness, analyzing insights from past disasters to highlight key challenges, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Special attention is given to global frameworks, existing protocols, and how lessons from successful disaster responses can inform future strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Aims:
This review aims to assess the readiness of PEDs for disaster scenarios by identifying deficiencies and proposing strategies to enhance preparedness. It explores infrastructure requirements, workforce training, triage protocols, and mental health considerations specific to pediatric populations. Additionally, it assesses international frameworks and best practices to inform policy recommendations for strengthening pediatric-focused disaster response globally.
Conclusion:
Pediatric disaster preparedness remains inadequate across global healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings. While international protocols exist, their implementation varies widely, leaving gaps in staff training, resource allocation, and mental health support. Addressing these gaps requires a multi-faceted approach that includes enhanced training programs, improved resource allocation, and integration of mental health services into disaster protocols. By adopting evidence-based strategies and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, healthcare systems can develop more resilient and child-focused emergency response frameworks. Strengthening disaster preparedness in PEDs is essential to ensuring equal opportunities for care and effective treatment for children in times of crisis.
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