Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department: Technical Report

This is a revision of the previous 2018 joint technical report titled “Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department.” Children have unique physical and psychosocial needs that are heightened in the setting of serious or life-threatening emergencies. Most ill and injured children and those with mental health emergencies are brought to community hospital emergency departments (EDs) by virtue of proximity. Therefore, all EDs must have the appropriate resources (medications, equipment, policies, and education) and staff to provide effective emergency care for children. This technical report outlines the evidence and rationale supporting resources necessary for EDs to stand ready to care for children of all ages. Although resources within emergency and trauma care systems vary locally, regionally, and nationally, ED staff, administrators, and medical directors can ensure high-quality emergency care is available for all children. The updated recommendations in the accompanying policy statement of the same title are intended to serve as a resource for clinical and administrative leadership of EDs as they strive to improve their readiness for children of all ages.