Evaluation the accessibility of emergency care for traumatic children in emergency departments

Emergency care of traumatic children is an important health subject. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accessibility of emergency care for traumatic children in terms of management equipment, cause defects, and familiarity of medical staff with training programs.

This descriptive-analytical study evaluated the emergency departments of all general hospitals in East Azerbaijan province during 2018, based on a checklist with 4 sections and 20 items, rated according to Likert scale from very high (scored 3) to very low (scored 0). For a score less than 3, defect causes were explained in 7 categories. The staff training certificates were considered for early and advanced pediatric life support in an emergency situation.  The staff’s training certificates in terms of early and advanced resuscitation of children were also surveyed. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21.

From among 20 emergency hospitals, more than 50% were equipped with adequate airway instruments. All of the emergency departments were provided with oxygen therapy equipment, but more than 70% had no chest tube and ventilator fit for children. More than 70% of them had cardiac monitoring and a sphygmomanometer for pediatric patients; however, less than 50% had a blood transfusion set and a urinary catheter. Only two hospitals had held early and advanced pediatric resuscitation workshops for their staff.

This study showed that 19 (95%) of emergency departments had the potential for early diagnosis and treatment of traumatic children. However, only 2 (10%) of the emergency staff had enough work experience in this issue. It is necessary to implement training programs for the familiarity of medical staff with pediatric early and advanced life support in emergency departments