A recent study by the American Medical Association exposes a disturbing public health crisis—more than 80% of emergency departments (ERs) in the U.S. are not fully prepared for pediatric cases.   This is despite the fact that pediatric ER visits make up about 20% of total ER visits each year.   This lack of readiness causes thousands of needless deaths every year.  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/01/health/child-deaths-emergency-room.html

Specifically, of about 7,619 deaths that occurred among children who showed up at emergency rooms from 2012-22, the researchers concluded that 2,143 could be saved—more than 25%.  In other words, according to the study, “more than one quarter of deaths among children receiving emergency care in the US may be preventable through ED pediatric readiness.”  See: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825748?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=110124#google_vignette

The cost to fully prepare ERs for adequate pediatric care would be relatively moderate at about $11.84 per child.  As noted by the study, “raising all EDs in the U.S. to high pediatric readiness is more cost effective than several childhood vaccinations…”  Preparing for pediatric care involves improved training and having proper pediatric equipment and medications at the ready. But unfortunately, according to the AMA study, “pediatric readiness stagnated from 2013 to 2021…”

Our healthcare system must be prepared to care for our children—that is fundamental.  ERs must do what is necessary to be prepared to take care of our children in need of emergency care.  This is a public health crisis that hospitals and lawmakers must address.

At Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian, we handle a wide range of medical malpractice cases, including those unfortunate situations involving lack of adequate care to children in the ER setting.