Coordinating Across Crisis: Emergency Collaboration Protocols

Emergencies require fast, coordinated responses. This section outlines how EDs and pediatricians can align around key communication points, shared risk stratification, and immediate follow-up responsibilities. In this example process, PMHCA teams can see where their expertise can support providers, both in and out of the ED.

Example Process:

1. Primary care identifies a high-risk patient during a visit or phone triage
2. Warm transfer call made to ED before family arrival
3. ED completes a suicide risk screen using ASQ or C-SSRS
4. PMHCA is notified to support care coordination and post-discharge planning, potentially facilitating the connection between the ED and primary care
5. Discharge summary sent to pediatrician within 24-48 hours
6. A follow-up appointment is made with the Pediatrician, who contacts the family to ensure the follow-up plan is understood and implemented

How PMHCA Can Assist:

• Creating localized emergency response workflows
• Training ED and pediatric teams on screening alignment
• Supporting integration into EMRs and discharge tools
• Connect EDs with surrounding primary care practices