Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department: Policy Statement

• 2026

  Log in to bookmark this resource.

  Log in
• Katherine Remick; Ashley Foster; Aaron Jensen; Regan Williams; Elizabeth Stone; Madeline Joseph
PMID: 41556937DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-075318

---

Access Resources

• Journal ArticleEN
• Ask aRCie About This Resource

About

This is an updated policy statement that provides guidance to help emergency departments better care for children. It replaces an earlier version and reflects current best practices. Developed by leading medical organizations, it offers recommendations for both clinical care and hospital management. The goal is to ensure that emergency departments are prepared to treat children of all ages safely and effectively. The guidance covers staffing, equipment, training, and processes needed for high-quality pediatric care. Overall, it serves as a practical resource for leaders working to improve pediatric readiness and ensure that children receive appropriate, timely emergency treatment whenever they need care in any emergency setting.

---

Tags

Focus Areas: Everyday Emergency; Infectious Disease; Trauma

Audiences: Emergency Managers; Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stage: Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Bundles: Pediatric Readiness Studies

Keywords: Child; Emergency Medical Services; Pediatrics; United States; Policy; Emergency Service, Hospital

Institutions: University of Texas at Austin; University of California San Francisco; University of Tennessee; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; University of Florida

---

More like this

Pediatric Readiness and Trauma Center Access for Children 2025 · National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO), University of California San Francisco, University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas at Austin, George Washington University, University of South Carolina, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Impact of individual components of emergency department pediatric readiness on pediatric mortality in US trauma centers 2023 · University of Texas at Austin, University of Utah, Oregon Health & Science University, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, Rutgers University Emergency Department Pediatric Readiness and Disparities in Mortality Based on Race and Ethnicity 2023 · Indiana University, Oregon Health & Science University, University of Utah, University of Texas at Austin, Wake Forest University

---

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

---