Objectives:

• Describe the key epidemiologic factors that contribute to infectious disease surges and the importance of early information sharing and education.
• Identify emergency department triggers and indicators that signal escalation across hospital readiness zones (green, yellow, red, and beyond).
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of leadership and clinical teams at each surge level, including coordination of communication and resource allocation.
• Discuss best practices for optimizing hospital capacity and maintaining bed availability during high-demand periods.
• Review strategies implemented by children’s hospitals during the 2022 viral respiratory surge (tridemic) as outlined in Hospital Pediatrics, and apply lessons learned to future preparedness planning.