The 2011 Tuscaloosa Tornado: Integration of Pediatric Disaster Services Into Regional Systems of Care

• 2012

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• Robert Kanter
PMID: 22444565DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.02.016

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This article empirically describes how pediatric disaster services were integrated into regional care systems following the April 27, 2011, tornado in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The study involved interviews with key informants from various agencies and healthcare professionals. The results highlighted the challenges faced, such as treating many pediatric patients in a hospital without specialized pediatric facilities. Despite these challenges, the response was effective, with no preventable adverse events identified. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of preparedness, including specific clinical skills and equipment for pediatric care, as well as the need for improvements in timely responses, child identification, and safety measures in disaster situations.

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Tags

Hazard: Severe Weather

Audiences: Emergency Managers; EMS Clinicians; Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stage: Response

Collection: Disaster Research Literature Review

Keywords: Alabama; Communication; Disaster Planning; Disasters; Emergency Medical Services; Patient Transfer; Pediatrics; Regional Medical Programs; Tornadoes; Triage; Cell Phone

Institutions: State University of New York - Upstate Medical University

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