Kicking off the 2026 season of the AAST Cutting Edge Podcast, new hosts Dr. Caroline Park and Dr. Susan Kartiko launch this inaugural episode with a timely discussion on pediatric readiness in adult trauma centers. Joined by pediatric surgery leader Dr. Barbara Gaines, they explore the Pediatric Readiness Project, trauma verification requirements, and how emergency departments can strengthen preparedness for critically ill and injured children through structured assessment, process improvement, and multidisciplinary collaboration. 

The episode highlights practical strategies including weight-based medication dosing in kilograms, pediatric airway and equipment readiness, imaging protocols, identification of Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECs), and partnership across trauma surgery, emergency medicine, pharmacy, and radiology—especially critical for rural and underserved hospitals where most children first present for care. 

Keywords:
pediatric readiness, trauma care, emergency department, assessment, implementation, healthcare, children's health, trauma centers, medical education, pediatric emergency care, surgery