Assessment of Pediatrics Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals Emergency Departments: A Cross-sectional Study from Al Q assim Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Paediatric emergencies contribute significantly to the patient burden in emergency units (EU).The variable availability of paediatric expertise, paediatric-specific equipment, appropriately trained staff, and standardised treatment guidelines adversely affects the optimal emergency care of children. Aim:The study aimed to describe the availability of essential, functional paediatric emergency resuscitation equipment on the resuscitation trolley in 24-hour EUs within the Qassim health cluster hospitals. Subject and methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among all hospitals with emergency departments in the Alqassim Region under the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia.A closed-response survey was completed as a personal interview with emergency department directors.The questionnaire includes mainly measures of preparedness.A weighted preparedness score was calculated for each emergency department.Results: A total of 14 participating hospitals were included.The total median (IQR) preparedness score was 123 (82.0 -151.0).The median percentage score was 75.9%.The median percentage of missing was 24.1%, with a total median (IQR) missing score of 3.0 (0 -12).The highest number of missing supplies were related to intraosseous needles or devices and umbilical vein catheters, which were unavailable in half of the participating hospitals.These were followed by tracheostomy tubes, arm board, and lumbar-puncture needles.In contrast, most medications needed for pediatric emergencies were available except for sodium bicarbonate 4.2% (missing in 9 hospitals).