Mental health aspects of emergency medical services for children: Summary of a consensus conference

Objective: To address the mental health needs of children involved in emerg ency medical services (EMS). Methods: A multidisciplinary consensus conference convened to identify ment al health needs of children and their families related to pediatric medical emergencies, to examine the impact of psychological aspects of emergencies on recovery and satisfaction with care, and to delineate research question s related to mental health aspects of medical emergencies involving childre n. Results: The consensus group found that psychological and behavioral factor s affect physical as well as emotional recovery after medical emergencies. Children's reactions are critically affected by age and developmental level , characteristics of the emergency medical event, and parent reactions. As frontline health care providers, EMS staff members are in a pivotal positio n to recognize and effectively manage the mental health needs of patients a nd their families. Conclusions: Ecological changes in emergency departments, such as linkages to mental health follow-up services, training of EMS providers and mental h ealth professionals, and focused research that provides an empirical basis for practice, are necessary components for improving current standards of h ealth care.