January 2026 | Oakland, CA The Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Management (WRAP-EM) has released Just-In-Time Clinical Guidance for Pediatric Respiratory Illness, Version 2 (January 2026), now available through the WRAP-EM online Resource Library at wrap-em.org.  This updated guidance is designed to support emergency departments and non-pediatric clinicians caring for children with respiratory illness during periods of pediatric surge, limited specialty access, or...

This WRAP‑EM webinar unpacks how Arizona’s Resource Equity & Access Coordination Hub (AZ REACH) evolved from the Arizona Surge Line to a standing capability that any eligible hospital can call for one‑stop transfer coordination. Leaders from AZ REACH and the Arizona Department of Health Services detail the mission‑control model, what’s in scope today, and how the hub can rapidly activate load‑leveling protocols during emergencies.  What you’ll learn:  • How a...

Presented on July 24, 2025, this WRAP-EM webinar highlights the evacuation of 90 behavioral health patients during a 109°F HVAC failure in Phoenix, Arizona.      On July 24, 2025, the Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Management (WRAP-EM) hosted a webinar featuring Robin Oothoudt, Executive Director of the Arizona Coalition for Healthcare Emergency Response (AzCHER), and Ben Fagerlie, Director of Operations for AMR Central Arizona. The session examined the...

This summer, high temperatures are expected across the country, especially in the western United States. Attending protests and other large outdoor gatherings during extreme temperatures can cause serious health effects and injuries. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. They have thinner skin and lower heat tolerance than adults. Exposure to high temperatures can cause heat stroke and dehydration. Sitting, laying, or falling on hot surfaces can cause...

Chemical agents such as tear gas or pepper spray are sometimes used for crowd control during protests or civil disturbances. Children are particularly vulnerable [https://bit.ly/ProtectingKidsDuringProtests_chemical] when exposed to these through ingestion, inhalation, or contact. Individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma may also be particularly sensitive to these agents.      What is tear gas? Tear gas/gel or pepper spray are irritants known as riot...