50% of victims in man-made and natural disasters are children.
In low and middle income countries (where 95% of disasters occur), children are particularly vulnerable.
Early responders must be well versed in caring for pediatric diarrheal disease, acute respiratory tract infections, measles, malaria, severe bacterial infections, malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, injuries, burns and poisonings with few resources.
Pediatric specific triage systems have been developed to aid in resource allocation during mass casualty responses.
Pediatric patients are singularly vulnerably to exploitation, abuse and trafficking during disaster, particularly when they are separated from their families.
Area of the world affected:
All
Bottom Line:
Many US based emergency medicine physicians are keen to respond to international disasters. A clear understanding about the particular risks to children during disaster response are critical in order to care for the most vulnerable of disaster victims.
University of Maryland Section of Global Emergency Health
Author: Emilie J.B. Calvello, MD, MPH
References
Rothstein, D. Pediatric Care in Disasters. Pediatrics. 2013, 132;25.
