Strengthening Pediatric Emergency Readiness at PeaceHealth Cottage Grove

Earlier this year, PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Medical Center demonstrated its strong commitment to pediatric patient safety by completing a comprehensive Pediatric Emergency Simulation and Readiness Planning initiative. This multidisciplinary training was supported through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy’s (FORHP) Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP).

Healthcare Safety Solutions worked with PeaceHealth Cottage Grove, local EMS and Life Flight to design a realistic, high‑impact simulation tailored to the hospital’s needs. Staff selected a pediatric emergency scenario that allowed teams to practice critical thinking, technical skills and team coordination during rare but high‑risk pediatric events – situations where preparation is essential.

The training combined hands‑on procedural labs with high‑fidelity simulation, giving care teams the opportunity to practice in an environment that closely mirrors real‑world conditions. The scenario challenged teams to collaborate across disciplines, coordinate with EMS and Life Flight, communicate effectively with transfer centers and make timely ventilation decisions, reflecting the complexity of pediatric emergencies in rural settings.

This work highlights PeaceHealth Cottage Grove’s ongoing dedication to preparedness, continuous learning and delivering high‑quality emergency care for children and families in the community, when every second counts.