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EMS For Children

What is EMSC?

EMSC is the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program. In 1984 federal legislation was passed to provide assistance to states to improve pediatric emergency medical care. In October 1994 the EMS division received the state's first EMSC implementation grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant was designed to focus upon the special treatment needs of pediatric patients in emergency situations and strengthen the pediatric component of the state Emergency Medical Services system. The overall goal of the program is to reduce the mortality and morbidity of pediatric medical and trauma patients by improving the regional systems of care for the pediatric patient.

How does the program achieve its goal of improving pediatric care?

Training: The EMSC program works closely with the four regional EMS offices to provide pediatric specialty training courses for personnel in the pre-hospital emergency medical services setting. These courses help EMTs prepare for the special treatment needs encountered during pediatric emergencies.

• Regional Systems of Care: The EMSC program has a committee of dedicated physicians, nurses, paramedics, and health care administrators that have developed treatment protocols, updated the state drug list and ambulance equipment list. These professionals also review procedures to determine needed improvements. The committee is developing a system to recognize the special pediatric capabilities of the state's hospitals.
• Data Collection: The EMS division collects all ambulance run data on pediatric patients. This allows the staff to study injury data by county, region, or statewide. This information assists EMS Providers and educators in determining what educational programs are needed in their area.
• Public Education and Injury Prevention: The EMSC program provides materials to EMS Providers, civic organizations, and others involved in health fairs, classroom programs, etc. These materials assist educators in teaching children and adults about a variety of safety and injury prevention issues. The program has also assisted in bicycle helmet and child safety seat distribution programs.

Want to know more?

For more information on the Emergency Medical Services for Children program or to order materials contact Carol Yarborough, Manager, EMS for Children at (803) 545-4973.