The purpose of the Caring for Children During Disasters: Incorporating Children in Disaster Exercises educational module is to provide education and resources that can assist organizations in integrating children into drills and exercises. This course is designed to build on existing knowledge regarding and outline specific pediatric components that should be incorporated into an organization’s disaster plans in order to address the needs of children. A number of topics will be discussed including:

• Reviewing why children are more vulnerable during disasters
• Identify challenges with including children in drills and exercises
• Reviewing the types of drills and exercises according to the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
• How to test disaster plans
• Considerations for including children in drills and exercises
• Strategies and tactics to incorporate children
• Components for drills and exercises to address the needs of children

It is our hope that pre-hospital and hospital professionals utilize these materials to further enhance the care of children before, during, and after disasters.

This course has been approved for 0.75 continuing education hours.
Continuing education hours have been approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety.

Course Expiration: May 14, 2024