Pediatric Team
About the Pediatric Specialty Team
The Pediatric Specialty Team is dedicated to improving Region 7 hospitals' preparedness for and response to disasters involving children by providing educational resources, medical support, and enhanced situational awareness. Working closely with local, regional, and national pediatric preparedness organizations, the team strengthens collaboration among children's hospital emergency management professionals and pediatric preparedness leaders to advance pediatric disaster readiness across the region. Key priorities include identifying and addressing the clinical, operational, and educational needs of community hospitals, developing the infrastructure to deploy pediatric experts through a Pediatric Medical Team (PMT) during surges and large-scale disasters, and creating just-in-time training for both PMT members and healthcare providers. The team also conducts gap analyses to identify pediatric-specific disaster response challenges and community resource limitations, helping ensure that children receive the specialized care and support they need during emergencies.
TEAM LEAD
Jen Watts, MD, MPH
-
Active members of Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) Drills/ Exercises group.
Responded to the COVID-19 pandemic surge by re-engaging the children’s hospital and public health partners to improve pediatric preparedness throughout the region.
Hosted ad hoc ZOOM situational awareness meetings with physician preparedness
-
Biweekly situational awareness meetings regarding bed availability with leaders from pediatric hospitals in Region 7
Monthly meetings with pediatric transport team leaders
Preparing for a regional workshop to share the Missouri Pediatric Specialty Team CONOPS and help other states adapt it to suit their capabilities and needs
Collecting data from regional Needs Assessment
Developing “low tech” pediatric bed availability dashboard