Children are often affected by disasters or public health emergencies, but many volunteer responders do not normally see pediatric patients and are therefore unprepared for children's unique physical, emotional and developmental needs.
In order to promote the importance of this critical information, the MMS Committee on Preparedness has created a directory of Pediatric Disaster Life Support resources that physicians, nurses and other health care professionals can readily access in preparation for, or during, an emergency.
Online Trainings and Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics Children and Disasters
Educational tools and resources on disaster preparedness for children.
Pediatric Education in Disasters Manual: A Course of the "Helping the Children" Program
A series of 10 modules developed to train pediatric leaders in the management of disaster relief, care, and rescue for children. Available in English and Spanish.
Additional Resources
Pediatric Surge Pocket Guide
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program produced a Pediatric Surge Pocket Guide. While hard copies of the Guide are no longer available, requests for printer-ready versions are readily granted. The Guide is posted for free download. Electronic versions are routinely provided so that other jurisdictions can create their own hard copies into a handbook format. (.pdf, 138 pages)
