Disaster Preparedness

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In disasters, children require specialized approaches.

Disaster preparedness for children has made great strides in recent years, but challenges remain. In 2015, hospitals only met 21% of the recommendations outlined in the National Commission on Children and Disasters 2010 report, and in 2013, the National Pediatric Readiness Project assessment found that only 47% of emergency departments have disaster plans that address children.

The EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC) Disaster Domain — as well as several partner networks — are working to address these gaps through resources and tools for pediatric preparedness, planning, and response.

EIIC Disaster Domain

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Planning & preparedness

Explore tools, resources, and opportunities for improving pediatric disaster planning and preparedness.

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Active crisis response

Find resource and tools related to active crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, mass violence events, and the pediatric respiratory surge.

Partner networks

Recognizing the links between everyday emergency readiness and disaster preparedness for children, the EIIC and EMSC Program collaborate closely with several federally funded partners.

The Pediatric Disaster Centers of Excellence

Funded through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response

The three Pediatric Disaster Centers of Excellence work to improve capability and capacity to provide highly specialized care to children in disasters — within and outside their specific regions.

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Region V for Kids

Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin

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WRAP-EM

Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Utah

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Gulf 7

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and Texas

Coming soon

The Pediatric Pandemic Network

Funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration

Through the Pediatric Pandemic Network, 10 children’s hospitals serve as regional hubs for improving care for all children in pandemics, disasters, and every day.

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The Pediatric Pandemic Network