When the Dust Has Settled: Caring for the Pediatric Survivors of a Natural Calamity in the Developing World

Abstract

Abstract This resource is a problem-based learning discussion focused on caring for pediatric survivors of a natural calamity in the developing world. The resource was authored in response to the international medical relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, though many of the issues raised are generalizable to calamities both natural and man-made occurring throughout the developing world. The Stem, Questions, References document should be distributed electronically a week or so prior to the session; hard copies of the Discussion document are better handed out at the end of the discussion. No special presentation devices are necessary. As with any problem-based learning discussion, a roundtable seating arrangement is optimal to facilitate class engagement. Forty minutes to 1 hour is usually ample time for the session. The resource was presented to pediatric anesthesiology faculty participants at a national pediatric anesthesia conference and was uniformly well received. Familiarity with generic problem-based learning discussion facilitator guidelines is essential prior to embarking on use of this resource.

Keywords

• Anesthesia
• Children
• Resuscitation
• Triage
• Stabilization
• Survivors