Patient safety in pediatric emergency care

The treatment of critically ill children is a time-critical task that requires effective collaboration between different professional groups and specialist disciplines. Rapid recognition of the medical problem, establishment of a joint working hypothesis, coordinated implementation and regular re-evaluation of treatment are essential for patient safety. Several tools are in place to ensure that care is delivered safely. These include standardized emergency equipment that everyone can use, cognitive aids for safe medication administration and checklists for the preparation and performance of critical procedures. Furthermore, standardization of communication, a clear distribution of roles and tasks, and regular debriefings are helpful. The establishment of a safety culture and regular training are essential for the implementation of the measures.