Special Announcement:  Release of AAP/ACEP/ENA Guidelines on Care of Children in the Emergency Department and CDC's Access to Trauma Centers in the United States

Yesterday, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released the AAP/American College of Emergency Physicians/Emergency Nurses Association joint policy statement “Guidelines for Care of Children in the Emergency Department” (attached below).  Endorsed by 22 other national organizations this statement offers recommendations for essential equipment, medications, personnel training, and key policies necessary for optimal pediatric emergency care.  It also offers recommendations that should promote improved hospital readiness for children in disasters.  Most children with emergency medical conditions or traumatic injuries are seen in community hospitals; therefore, all hospital emergency departments must be ready to care for children of all ages and in any situation.

The high rates of novel H1N1 influenza expected this fall and winter makes preparedness even more essential. 
 

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the “Access to Trauma Centers in the United States” fact sheet and interactive mapping tool.  The release of these materials is an important step to help raise awareness and improve access to trauma centers around the country.  This new tool, created in partnership with the American Trauma Society and the University of Pennsylvania, shows the location of all hospitals and trauma centers (Levels I-IV) across the country. Individuals can click on the map located at: http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaCare/ and find the distance to and locations of trauma centers and hospitals closest to them.