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Planning for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen at anytime and in any place. Even the best efforts cannot always prevent accidents and disasters from happening.
What you can do is plan. Here are some questions to help guide your preparations:
  • What is available in the way of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for my child at home, at school or other places my child might be?
  • Which hospitals might receive my child on an emergency basis? How are decisions about emergency transport handled? What choices do I have?
  • What training, certification and experience do the EMS providers have, especially with regard to the needs of children like mine?
  • What rules or policies apply?

Emergencies and Children

Every child has some risk for injury or illness that can be severe, life threatening, or cause permanent harm. For children or youth with chronic illnesses, disabilities or special needs, the risk can be far greater. Planning for emergencies before they happen can help assure that your child gets the quickest and best possible treatment.
This is especially true if a medical emergency occurs when your child is not with you. In those situations, responsible adults should have information about your child's special health needs and which doctor to call.

Preparing Yourself

Begin by discussing emergency preparations with your child's doctor:
  • Ask about special health risks for your child or symptoms you should watch for.
  • Discuss whether it is appropriate for your child to wear identifying medical jewelry containing information about medications, operations, or other facts.
  • Ask for your doctor's help in completing an Emergency Information Form (EIF) on your child. See samples: Emergency Information Sheet Utah and Emergency Information Sheet Utah, Page 3.
  • Discuss who should have a copy of your child's EIF. Consider EMS providers (fire department, paramedics, police station, etc.) and responsible adults at school, daycare, camp or other places your child goes.
  • Ask the doctor to help you review and update your child's EIF annually or more often as needed.
  • Discuss with your child's doctor about using signed consent for treatment forms. (You can get a sample form from the American College of Emergency Physicians).
Emergency planning also means knowing what provisions your child's health plan includes for urgent and emergency care. If the event is not a clear emergency, the plan may not cover a trip to the Emergency Room.
Your pre-emergency preparations should also include having a well-stocked first-aid kit in your home and car. Also, post emergency phone numbers on or near all your telephones.
Get to know the EMS providers in your area and make them aware of your child's special needs. Find out how they respond to emergencies and ask how you can help them serve your child better.
Take a course in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid techniques. Encourage others to sign up as well.

In Times of Emergency

When an emergency or crisis occurs, it's important to stay calm, especially for your child's sake.
  • Know who and how to call for help. Dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number.
  • Have your child's EIF form available for the EMS response team.
  • Comfort and reassure your child. Listen to your child and give yourself permission to ask questions, cry, and talk about your feelings.

Resources

Information & Support

For Professionals

American Academy of Pediatrics
Provides information for pediatric providers including health information; practice guidelines; publications including the journal "Pediatrics"; professional education resources; advocacy information; and links to local chapters. Also includes a Parenting Corner for families.

For Parents and Patients

Emergency Medical Services for Children National Resource Center
Helps to improve pediatric emergency care and provides information for families and providers.

Authors

Author: Gina Pola-Money, 12/2003
Reviewing Author: Alfred Romeo RN, PhD, 12/2008
Content Last Updated: 9/2008