Pediatric team

The Pediatric Specialty Team aims to (1) improve Region 7 hospitals’ preparedness for and response to disasters involving children by providing educational resources, medical support, and enhanced situational awareness, and (2) collaborate with local, regional, and national pediatric preparedness groups on projects that enhance these capabilities.

Team Leads

Kari Wellnitz, MD
kari-wellnitz@uiowa.edu
Jen Watts, MD, MPH
jwatts@cmh.edu

About the Pediatric Team

  • Strengthening collaborations between children's hospital emergency management professionals and pediatric preparedness physician leaders throughout the region and nationally.

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    Identifying and addressing the physical and educational needs of community hospitals for pediatric preparedness. 

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    Recruiting and developing an infrastructure to deploy (either physically or virtually) medical care team members with pediatric-specific expertise (i.e., Pediatric Medical Team) during a surge or large-scale disaster in the region. 

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    Developing/identifying Just-in-Time training for Pediatric Medical Team (PMT) members and disaster-affected community hospital providers.  

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    Conduct gap analysis related to identify and fill pediatric-related disaster response shortfalls and issues related to community resource availability

  • Active members of Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) Drills/ Exercises group.

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    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.

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    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 

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    Monthly meetings with pediatric transport team leaders

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    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 

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    Collecting data from regional Needs Assessment 

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    Developing “low tech” pediatric bed availability dashboard 

  • Click here to see our Pediatric Resources & Training Page.