The Maternal & Child Health Program aims to increase awareness of considerations for all children, including children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), in emergency preparedness and response planning in El Paso County.
Emergency Planning for CYSHCN
Preparing for emergencies looks different for everyone, but families of CYSHCN often have far more to consider as they plan for their needs. CYSHCN may require specialized care and support during and after an emergency.
In the event of evacuation or sheltering at an emergency facility, it is vital that the unique needs of CYSHCN are considered in both individual family emergency plans and local planning efforts.
In an emergency, CYSHCN may have a variety of access and functional needs, including:
- Medical devices
- Mobility aids
- Service animals
- Specialized transportation
Questions to consider:
Is there a reliable power source for medical equipment?
Is there accessible transportation in the event of an emergency?
If sheltering is required, will there be proper accommodations for all people and service animals?
CYSHCN may need accommodations to ensure that important information is communicated effectively in an emergency. Some potential factors impacting communication include:
- Language barriers
- Limited verbal skills
- Visual or hearing impairments
Questions to consider:
Is interpretation available for other languages, including sign language?
If someone has limited verbal skills, are emergency personnel prepared to communicate with them effectively?
Is important medical and contact information readily available?
Emergencies of all sizes impact the mental health of those involved. It is important to prioritize the mental and behavioral health of CYSHCN before, during, and after an emergency to build emotional resilience and promote positive health outcomes.
CYSHCN may often experience more significant behavioral and emotional challenges in an emergency, including:
- Behavioral, cognitive, developmental and emotional differences
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine
- Heightened emotions and behavioral challenges
Questions to consider:
What local mental health resources are available to help CYSHCN cope during and after a crisis?
Is there education to prepare CYSHCN and their families for emergencies?
Do others know how to respond when CYSHCN are in crisis?
Emergencies can be chaotic. CYSHCN may have an increased risk of becoming separated from their caregivers without proper safety precautions. Having a plan in place and practicing what to do in an emergency can help CYSHCN stay safe in a crisis. Some safety measures for CYSCHN include:
- Creating a family emergency plan
- Providing emergency education for CYSHCN and their families
- Reducing the risk of wandering and elopement from homes, vehicles, and emergency facilities
Questions to consider:
Are CYSHCN taught what to do if an emergency happens at home, school, or a care facility?
Do trauma centers and shelters have a protocol in place for mitigating wandering or elopement risks?
Do families have evacuation plans for their loved ones with complex health needs?
Motor Vehicle Safety for CYSHCN
Motor vehicle safety impacts everyone on our roads. CYSHCN may respond differently in a motor vehicle crash. They may require special considerations to address communication barriers, behavioral differences, or other accessibility needs.
Our ability to save lives does not end when a crash occurs.
Appropriate and timely post-crash care can prevent injuries from becoming fatal. Certain factors improve the outcome of a post-crash response. These factors are especially important for those with unique or complex medical needs.
- Quick arrival of first responders
- Trained Emergency Medical Services
- Appropriate, prompt medical care
- Timely connection to emergency contacts
In the event of a crash, knowing immediately of a medical condition or allergy can be the difference between life and death.
If a child’s guardian is incapacitated or otherwise unable to speak, first responders may have no way to access this important, life-saving information.
Medical ID Tags help ensure that appropriate medical care is received and emergency contacts are notified.