Meeting children's needs: A mixed-methods approach to a regionalized pediatric surge plan—The Los Angeles County experience

Abstract

LAC was able to create a pediatric surge plan that doubles pediatric acute and pediatric intensive care bed capacity by using participating HPP hospitals. A tiered system was created based on capacity and capability with varying surge targets and guidance on types of patients that could be cared for at each tier. This plan will assist the LAC Emergency Medical Services Agency distribute pediatric patients during a surge event that disproportionately impacts children.

Disaster Preparedness: Meeting the Needs of Children

“…However, state and local community preparedness will benefit from a systems-based approach to ensure that all stakeholders prepare within the context of other community partners and not in isolation (Institute of Medicine, 2014). For example, the Los Angeles County, Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Agency worked with local pediatric experts, including a regional children's hospital and other hospitals, over a 5-year period to include pediatric surge capacity in their disaster preparedness and management plans (Berg et al, 2014). New York City also has a pediatric disaster coalition, and local children's hospitals work within communities to ensure that disaster drills include pediatric patients and that pediatric needs are considered (NYC Pediatric Disaster Coalition, n.d.).…”

Ready to Respond: A Survey of Interdisciplinary Health-Care Students and Administrators on Disaster Management Competencies

“…5 Multiple studies have examined health-care professional willingness to work. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Key factors impacting this include confidence in their role and ability to carry out necessary duties in disasters. 7,12 Confidence is defined as "a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something".…”