Ensuring the Health of Children in Disasters
Policy Statement
American Academy of Pediatrics
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ADVISORY COUNCIL, COMMITTEE ON PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE
pdf: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2015/10/13/peds.2015-3112.full.pdf
Abstract
Infants, children, adolescents, and young adults have unique physical, mental, behavioral, developmental, communication, therapeutic, and social needs that must be addressed and met in all aspects of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Pediatricians, including primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists, have key roles to play in preparing and treating families in cases of disasters. Pediatricians should attend to the continuity of practice operations to provide services in time of need and stay abreast of disaster and public health developments to be active participants in community planning efforts. Federal, state, tribal, local, and regional institutions and agencies that serve children should collaborate with pediatricians to ensure the health and well-being of children in disasters.