Reference Library

Description

Emergency preparedness and response planning, technology investments, and training frequently do not consider the unique requirements of responding to pediatric victims of a larger scale terrorist attack. Children have unique physiologies (size, weight, age, respiratory system, organ capacity and strength, etc.) and psychologies that create unique needs in capabilities and protocols for the use of medical procedures, equipment, drugs, decontamination, mortuary affairs, psychological treatment, and legal authorities. Homeland security planning must account for, and invest in capabilities to meet, these needs.
This report explains these unique needs and gaps, and provides a foundation for homeland security planning for pediatric victims of terrorism. This report describes the minimum capabilities essential for emergency response to pediatric victims. The report lays out fifteen Functional Areas for pediatric response – general areas describing functions, tasks, and missions of emergency response.