Pediatric Practice Safety Protocols and Guidelines

1. Physical Environment Safety

Waiting Area

• Child-proof electrical outlets
• Secured furniture to prevent tipping
• Age-appropriate toys, sanitized daily
• Clear pathways for emergency evacuation
• Hand sanitizing stations at child height

Exam Rooms

• Locked cabinets for medical supplies
• Step stools with non-slip surfaces
• Safety straps on exam tables
• Proper sharps disposal containers (mounted above child reach)

2. Infection Control Protocols

Standard Precautions

• Hand hygiene stations in each room
• PPE readily available in appropriate sizes
• Designated clean and dirty areas
• Medical waste management protocol

Cleaning Procedures

• Exam room sanitization between patients
• Toy cleaning protocol (twice daily minimum)
• Surface disinfection schedule
• HVAC maintenance schedule

3. Emergency Response Procedures

Medical Emergencies

• Pediatric crash cart contents and location
• Emergency medication dosing charts
• Code team roles and responsibilities
• Emergency contact numbers posted

Facility Emergencies

• Evacuation routes with infant/child considerations
• Emergency power backup systems
• Severe weather protocols
• Lock-down procedures

4. Patient Safety Measures

Patient Identification

• Two-identifier verification system
• Color-coded age bands
• Photo ID requirements for guardians
• Release authorization documentation

Medication Safety

• Weight-based dosing protocols
• Allergy alert system
• Double-check procedure for high-risk medications
• Vaccine storage and handling guidelines

5. Documentation Requirements

Safety Checks

• Daily environment safety checklist
• Monthly emergency equipment checks
• Quarterly safety drill documentation
• Annual facility safety audit

Incident Reporting

• Near-miss documentation
• Adverse event reporting
• Patient complaint protocol
• Quality improvement tracking

6. Staff Training Requirements

Required Certifications

• Pediatric BLS/PALS
• Infection control training
• Emergency response training
• Child abuse recognition

Annual Reviews

• Safety protocol updates
• Emergency procedure drills
• Equipment operation training
• De-escalation techniques