In 2007, the AAP issued a policy statement on this topic titled "Preparation for Emergencies in the Offices of Pediatricians and Pediatric Primary Care Providers". It is comprehensive in its approach to office emergency preparedness and its recommendations are worthy of review here, point by point:
- Perform an office self-assessment
- Develop an office emergency response plan
- Maintain recommended emergency equipment
- Maintain recommended emergency medications
- Provide continuing education for all staff
- Practice mock codes on a regular basis
- Educate families about what to do in an emergency
- Partner with EMS and hospital-based emergency providers - discussed later
Documentation of the office emergency plan can be a useful tool for risk management purposes. Also important is documentation of any real office resuscitations including items such as the following.
- date and time of treatment
- estimated or actual weight of the child
- medications given including doses, times and responses
- fluid type and volumes administered
- information given to the family
- condition of child on transfer out of the office
These items must be diligently recorded and provided to the referral facility. Again the AAP provides an example of such a resuscitation log.