PPN Disaster Handbook
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
Children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) represent a growing population.
These children require additional considerations in disaster planning due to physical, developmental, or behavioral differences.
For example, a child with vision or hearing impairment may need alternative methods to convey important information.
Possible solutions include:
- Assigning person to help them
- Create a medical bracelet or laminated card with important medical information
Medications
CYSHCN may have various medications so it is important to include a supply of extra medication.
Some medications may need to be refrigerated.
Technology and Equipment
Some children may depend on technology and specialized medical equipment. These can include:
- Ventilator
- Feeding pump
- Syringes
- Pill cutters/crushers
- Tracheostomy care supplies
- Catheters
- Ostomy care supplies
- Nebulizers
- Blood sugar monitoring tools
- Supplemental oxygen
Some children require special communication devices:
- Electronic tablets
- Picture boards
For equipment that requires electricity, it is important to have a backup power source, extra batteries, or charging cords for the equipment.
Transportation
CYSHCN may also need special equipment for transportation.
This can include
- Vehicles
- Wheelchairs
- walkers
During evacuation, they may need access to slides or ramps.
Emergency Information Forms
As healthcare information is often not shared between health systems, it is important that critical medical information be communicated effectively. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Emergency Physicians have created a template Emergency Information Form for CYSHCN.
These forms should include:
- Patient’s name and birthdate
- Emergency contacts
- Primary and subspecialty care providers
- Diagnosis/problem list
- Medications
- Devices/Equipment
- Allergies
- Advanced Directives
 |
Taking care of children and youth with special healthcare needs during disasters and everyday emergencies can pose unique challenges. Listen to these two episodes of Ready. Prep. Go! With Dawn Bailey and Kylie McElroy to hear their experiences caring for their own children with special healthcare needs. |
Written by Dennis Ren
Last updated: 5/30/2025