Emergency Departments
About Pediatric Readiness
Children have unique physiological, emotional, and developmental characteristics that require specialized emergency care. Children do not always have access to this specialized pediatric care. In fact, 80% of children receive emergency care in general EDs. General EDs primarily treat adults and may not be well-prepared for children because of low pediatric patient volume. Pediatric Readiness is ensuring that every EMS, fire-rescue agency and emergency department has the pediatric-specific champions, competencies, policies, equipment, and other resources needed to provide high-quality emergency care for children. The way to ensure that this is being completed is by following the domains set in place within pediatric readiness.
Pediatric Readiness by Domain
How the hospital coordinates and integrates pediatric care across all relevant departments, implementing a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator.
The availability of pediatric-specific equipment, supplies and medications across hospital units.
The maintenance of pediatric clinical competencies of staff through education, training and experience.
The presence of safe medication systems and reduction of risks specific to pediatric patients.
The establishment of policies, procedures and protocols for the care of pediatric patients.
The monitoring of quality metrics and implementation of improvement initiatives related to pediatric care.
Download the PECC Milestones Guide
for all of the Pediatric Readiness Domains
ED Educational Resources
Pediatric ED Trauma Educational Resources
Pediatric ED Medical Educational Resources
Pediatric ED Procedural Resources
IV Resources:
IV Trainer Tofu
IV Start Trainer Tofu
Pediatric IV Tips & Tricks
