Newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are highly vulnerable in disasters due to their need for specialized and highly technical support. It is strongly encouraged to prepare for the most likely disaster scenarios for the NICU. During a disaster, neonatal care providers should maintain situational awareness for decision-making, including available equipment, medication, and staffing. Neonatal care providers also should consider the ethical issues and the psychosocial needs of the families and neonatal care staff.
Decision Making ; Disaster Planning ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal

Neonates are vulnerable to greater damage in disasters and thus have special needs for equipment and medical staff. It is necessary to establish a regional neonatal transport network, in order to provide a platform for effective information communication and resource sharing. Neonatal care centers for critically ill neonates at all levels need to develop a disaster response plan for neonatal transport, and master this plan. In case of disasters, neonatal transport should be directed at the government level, in order to arrange emergency transport resources in a unified, reasonable and efficient way. Meanwhile, the psychological needs of family members and rescue staff should be taken into account.
Critical Illness ; Disaster Planning ; Emergency Medical Services ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn