Preparedness of rural health clinics in Crawford, Forest, and Venango counties for pediatric medical emergencies

The purpose of this research study was to determine if rural health clinics were adequately prepared for pediatric medical emergencies. Preparedness was determined based on availability of minimal basic equipment, medications, and training as identified by the Committee of Pediatric Emergency Medicine guidelines (AAP, 1992). This study focused on rural health clinics in Crawford, Forest, and Venango counties. Eleven clinics participated. It was found that none of the clinics had every piece of equipment, two of 11 (18%) had all medications, and 18% had all the staff with Basic life support certification. The preparedness scores ranged from 35% to 89%, with no clinics reporting all the items recommended for minimal preparedness.

Recommendations included increasing education of primary care providers to better prepare the rural health clinic environment. Further research studies, more published literature, and legislation to establish criteria for minimal equipment, medications, and training were identified to improve preparedness.