Pediatric emergency medicine refers to an area of medicine which treats children in life-threatening or emergency situations. It generally involves stabilizing and temporarily treating conditions until a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be developed. Most emergency medicine takes place inside of a hospital emergency room, although it may also include medical care received en route to a treatment center.
The practice of pediatric emergency medicine may take place at a community or private hospital, or a children's hospital. Most times, the primary goal of emergency medical care is to prevent death or further illness or injury to a child who is facing any type of serious trauma. This can include serious injuries such as blunt force trauma or abuse situations as well as illnesses or accidental poisonings. Accidents which occur in the home and automobile accidents are the most common causes of emergency treatment in minors.
Doctors and nurses working in pediatric emergency medicine are usually required to undergo specialized training in both emergency care and pediatrics. Although similar, medical care performed on children must be done differently than when performed on adults. Certain medications which may work with older individuals are not suitable for young children, and other procedures may need to be modified.
Care given during transit to a hospital or medical center may also be considered emergency pediatric care. There are sometimes ambulances designed specifically for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, or for other young children. Equipment and supplies are tailored for smaller individuals. Sometimes these ambulances can fit up to two or more children at once.
In order for a doctor to specialize in pediatric emergency medicine, he or she may have to undergo additional schooling after the normal medical school and residency. This may be done while working in the field as an emergency medical doctor for adults. In some cases, specialized training may not be needed in addition to normal schooling.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) promotes training and education opportunities for physicians working in pediatric emergency medicine. They have a separate division for emergency medicine in order to help enhance and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of pediatric care in emergency departments. Doctors working in the field can take advantage of opportunities by this, or more local organizations, by visiting their websites and searching for classes, seminars, and other education opportunities.