Children make up nearly a quarter of the U.S. population, yet they remain one of the least prepared groups when disaster strikes. Their unique anatomy, physiology, developmental needs, and dependence on adults create vulnerabilities that demand specialized planning. From earthquakes and wildfires to chemical exposures, active threats, and mass‑casualty events, pediatric patients face disproportionate risks—and healthcare systems must be ready.

The Pediatric Disaster Preparedness Course equips clinicians, hospital teams, and emergency planners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond confidently when the unthinkable happens. Grounded in real-world scenarios and national pediatric readiness data, this course explores:

• Pediatric vulnerabilities in natural and human‑made disasters
• Hospital and family preparedness
• HICS, 15 ’til 50, SALT, START/JumpSTART
• Mass‑casualty triage with pediatric cases
• Realistic scenario‑based exercises