Management of pediatric emergencies in general hospitals. Results of a 1995 survey.

A study was conducted in 1995 to evaluate how pediatric emergencies were dealt with in general hospitals possessing a pediatric department. The results demonstrate wide differences in the number of emergencies and in the way they were handled. In half the hospitals the children were seen at the adult emergency room, Measures that may make it easier to ensure 24-hour-a-day availability of a senior pediatrician include same-site handling of medical and chirurgical emergencies and of neonatal and other pediatric emergencies, participation of office pediatricians, and an increase in the number of pediatricians, Physicians who are called on to deal with pediatric emergencies should receive specific training.