PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Richard D Branson
TI  - Disaster Planning for Pediatrics
AID  - 10.4187/respcare.01405
DP  - 2011 Sep 01
TA  - Respiratory Care
PG  - 1457--1465
VI  - 56
IP  - 9
4099  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/56/9/1457.short
4100  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/56/9/1457.full
AB  - Natural and man-made disasters are inevitable and appear to be more common in the current age. Substantial time and effort have been invested and millions of dollars spent on disaster prevention and management. An important oversight in this planning has been the special needs of children. The vulnerability of children and their physiologic characteristics place them at increased risk during a disaster. Importantly, reunification with family and assurance of safety in this vulnerable group is a priority. This paper addresses issues related to pediatric needs, the medical system's shortcomings in caring for children, and recommendations for action.