Improving Pediatric Administrative Disaster Preparedness Through Simulated Disaster Huddles

This study tested short, low-effort “disaster huddles” as a way to improve pediatric emergency department disaster readiness. Staff took part in brief weekly scenario-based drills that focused on key administrative actions during a mass casualty event. Over time, teams completed more critical tasks correctly, showing better overall preparedness, even though speed did not improve much. The approach required little time, staff, or equipment, making it easier to repeat than large full-scale drills. The findings suggest that short, frequent huddles can strengthen disaster response systems and may be a practical supplement to more resource-intensive training.