Planning for disasters involving children in Australia: A practical guide

Abstract

Children comprise 19% of the Australian population. Children are at risk of higher morbidity and mortality in disaster events than adults; however, there is a paucity of paediatric-specific disaster preparedness in Australia. Paediatric disaster plans should be developed, tested and renewed regularly. Plans need to address unaccompanied and unidentified children, medical and psychosocial needs and family reunification. Specific management is required for chemical, biological and radiological events.

Keywords: disaster planning; disaster response; mass casualty event; paediatric; post-traumatic stress disorder; trauma.