Abstract

It is estimated that 30million children in the US participate in organised sports programmes. As more and more children participate in sports and recreational activities, there has been an increase in acute and overuse injuries.

Abstract

Background: Orthopedic reductions are commonly performed procedures requiring sedation in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Ketamine is a widely used agent for pediatric procedural sedation, but its use may present difficulties in select populations, such as those with psychiatric diagnoses. In such a case, alternative agents that are safe and effective are needed.

Because September 11, 2001, demonstrated that the United States is vulnerable to terrorist attack and Hurricane Katrina exhibited gaps in our disaster response system, there has been a large investment in ensuring that our population is better protected. The purpose of this article is to discuss the opportunities for improvement in preparedness for children that span all levels of government, private institutions, and individuals.