Children are 4X more likely to die in hospital emergency rooms with the lowest pediatric readiness scores. Are you pediatric ready? Are you pediatric ready?
Emergency departments (EDs) must be ready for anything. In critical situations, every minute matters. So does having the right equipment. EDs must be prepared to manage critical pediatric cases effectively, yet only 14% of non-pediatric hospitals in the United States meet pediatric readiness certification standards.
Lax regulations, or a total absence of verification programs in most states, mean that hospitals aren’t mandated to maintain a high level of pediatric readiness. The result is higher mortality rates and avoidable patient deaths. Given the stark disparity in preparedness levels, a national initiative to mandate pediatric readiness is not just warranted but essential.