Office preparedness for pediatric emergencies is assumed in the training, certification, and continual vigilance that defines a proficient practice. Yes, you're confident in your traditional medical skills-but what about when a psychosocial crisis arises?
A state-by-state survey conducted by the American College ofEmergency Physicians (ACEP) has found widespread gaps in emergencycare in the United States. Access to emergency care is seriouslylimited in many states, with no excess capacity to cope withdisasters and with frequent shunting of patients from one hospitalto another when emergency department beds are full, as they oftenare.
Emergencies in pediatric offices are not uncommon, but practices are seldom prepared to respond. Implementing an emergency office protocol and a mock code program?like those detailed here?might save a life.
Providing emergency care to children is a special challenge with risks for both patient and pediatrician. Attention to some basic precautions promotes good medical care for the child and heads off legal problems for the physician at the same time.
Providing emergency care to children is a special challenge with risks for both patient and pediatrician. Attention to some basic precautions promotes good medical care for the child and heads off legal problems for the physician at the same time.
