Correlation of measures of patient acuity with measures of crowding in a pediatric emergency department.

Objective: Emergency department (ED) crowding is an increasingly common problem in the United States. Crowding can lead to ED closure and diversion, poor patient satisfaction, and patient safety issues. The purpose of this study was to examine measures of ED census and measures of crowding to determine if a correlation exists in a pediatric ED setting.

Prehospital preparedness for pediatric mass-casualty events.

Objectives: Recent events have reiterated the need for well-coordinated planning for mass-casualty events, including those that involve children. The objective of this study was to document the preparedness of prehospital emergency medical services agencies in the United States for the care of children who are involved in mass-casualty events.

Methods: A national list of all licensed prehospital emergency medical services agencies was prepared through contact with each state's emergency medical services office.

Mass-casualty events at schools: a national preparedness survey.

Objective: Recent school shootings and terrorist events have demonstrated the need for well-coordinated planning for school-based mass-casualty events. The objective of this study was to document the preparedness of public schools in the United States for the prevention of and the response to a mass-casualty event.

Methods: A survey was mailed to 3670 school superintendents of public school districts that were chosen at random from a list of school districts from the National Center for Education Statistics of the US Department of Education in January 2004.