Recognizing that children require specialized care in medical emergencies, Northwell’s Phelps Hospital has acquired a suite of advanced equipment to enhance care for pediatric patients in need of resuscitation. Funded by a generous grant from The Children’s Dream Foundation (CDF), these vital resources will elevate the hospital’s ability to respond effectively to the unique needs of its youngest patients during critical situations.
The specialized equipment includes tools used to treat children who need help breathing, as well as to train clinicians in lifesaving interventions. Pediatric resuscitations are the most critical health emergencies children can face, often involving urgent respiratory issues, cardiac arrest or major trauma and tailoring equipment to their body size is critically important.
“In pediatric resuscitations, seconds can make all the difference,” said Jessica Cooper Foltin, MD, FAAP, chief of pediatric emergency medicine and hospital-based pediatrics at Phelps. “Having the right equipment immediately available, and sized correctly for each child, is essential. This grant has greatly improved our ability to react decisively and give young patients in emergencies the best possible care.”
The grant funded several critical items, including:
- Broselow pediatric resuscitation systems: Innovative color-coded bags containing organized, size-specific tools and medications, enabling medical staff to rapidly identify and access the correct interventions for each child’s size and weight, saving precious time during emergencies.
- IGEL supraglottic airways:Devices offering a safe and effective way to manage a child’s airway during difficult intubations, minimizing complications and maximizing oxygen delivery.
- Verathon glidescope pediatric laryngoscope blades:Specialized blades that improve visualization of the airway during intubation, particularly in challenging cases, increasing the chances of first-attempt success and reducing the risk of trauma.
- Training mannequins:Realistic pediatric-sized simulators, which will be used for training on IV placement, lumbar punctures (spinal taps) and neonatal intubation, allowing healthcare providers to refine and maintain these essential skills through hands-on practice.
Furthermore, this grant will enable the hospital to implement its Phelps Readiness for Pediatric and Infant Resuscitation (PRePaRe) program. Staff from various departments will receive specialized training on the new equipment and procedures through hands-on simulations, mock codes and educational sessions at Phelps’ Hoch Center for Emergency Education, a state-of-the-art simulation lab dedicated to enhancing healthcare professionals’ skills.
“The Children’s Dream Foundation feels that medical needs of all children must be prioritized, and it is imperative that our medical professionals and hospitals are sufficiently trained and equipped for the future needs of the community,” said Melissa Auerbach, president of the Children’s Dream Foundation. “With that in mind, our board of directors is honored to support Phelps by funding their PRePaRe program. Programs like this will be used to prepare medical professionals for life threatening illnesses and ultimately save precious lives.”
The implementation of the grant is the latest step in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to elevating pediatric care and emergency preparedness. Phelps was the first medical center in Westchester County to be recognized by the New York State Department of Health as an “Always Ready for Children” designated hospital. Recently, the hospital completed renovations and expansions to its maternal and child health floors, launched a new pediatric ENT program and continues to grow its pediatric emergency program.
