Pediatric surge fact sheet: How did we get here?
Learn about the factors that have contributed to the pediatric respiratory surge crisis — and how you can help.
Download Respiratory Surge Fact Sheet (PDF)
A nationwide surge of young children with severe respiratory illnesses is straining healthcare facilities, staff, and resources across the U.S. Pediatric beds are in short supply, and many children’s hospitals are over capacity.
Experts from the Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) and its federally funded partners — Gulf 7 – Pediatric Disaster Network, Region V for Kids, the Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Medicine (WRAP-EM), and the Emergency Medical Services for Children Innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC) — are sharing ideas and resources to support hospitals and healthcare workers during this challenging moment.
PPN is also offering on-demand technical assistance. To request guidance for your hospital or healthcare system, please email pediatricpandemicnetwork@gmail.com.
The file below includes recommendations and resources to support immediate responses to the ongoing surge of pediatric patients, and to guide planning and preparation for future surges. This list is a work in progress; updated versions will be posted and shared as they are available, and suggested additions are welcome.
Download Pediatric Surge Resources (PDF)
Additional Resources
ASPR TRACIE Pediatric Surge Resources: Access a living library of pediatric surge-related clinical guidance, plans and tools, staffing resources, and webinars on the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) site.
Prehospital RSV resources: Download a compilation of resources on pediatric RSV and respiratory distress for EMS and other prehospital professionals, compiled by EIIC and PPN.
Clinical guidance for non-pediatric providers: Download just-in-time basic clinical guidance on pediatric respiratory illness for hospitals and providers with limited pediatric experience, from WRAP-EM.
Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information and clinical guidance on respiratory and other illnesses impacting the pediatric population, including RSV, influenza, and COVID-19.