Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Pediatric Disaster Medicine in OklahomaOklahoma, the famed Sooner State, is home to an estimated 4,019,800 people and is known for its cowboy culture, Native American heritage, energy, agriculture, and Route 66.The picturesque south-central plains are located in Tornado Alley and endure extreme heat, ice storms, earthquakes, flooding, thunderstorms, and tornados on an almost annual basis.Oklahoma is also no stranger to human-induced disasters, including the Trail of Tears, the Tulsa race massacre, and the Oklahoma City bombing, which have scarred the collective memory.According to the United States Census Bureau, the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas are home to 35 percent of the state's total population (United States Census Bureau, 2021).The remaining 65 percent reside in smaller rural communities inhabited by the older and younger generations as those of working age often migrate to larger conurbations or out of state in search of economic or educational opportunities (Straub et al., 2020).Oklahoma ranks 44th in average family income (United States Census Bureau, 2024).Lower incomes and fewer economic opportunities may mean that health insurance, preventative care, and even acute medical care become less of a priority as families face a daily struggle to pay for rent, utilities, and groceries.Children from low-income rural areas are particularly vulnerable as they are less likely to be able to access medical care due to economic constraints, limited mobility, and social barriers.Oklahoma is served by only two pediatric hospitals, both located in the state's largest cities, meaning accessibility and capacity can also be problematic.Moreover, the state has experienced more than 250 natural hazard and human-induced disasters since the beginning of 2000, a total which is based upon Stafford Act declarations for major disasters, emergencies, fire suppression, and fire management (FEMA, 2023).Despite mitigation and preparedness efforts, this trend is likely to continue in the future.Consequently, extant steadystate pediatric health care provision faces the risk of being overwhelmed when disasters strike, thereby exacerbating pediatric vulnerability.
Source: NAM Perspectives
DOI: 10.31478/202409e
Authors: Tony McAleavy, Leremy A. Colf
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4402919435