By Stephanie Ashford
In the world of EMS, pediatric emergencies are low-frequency, high-risk calls that require additional skills, knowledge and preparation.
For the calendar year 2023, the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) data retrieved by the Center for Prehospital Excellence showed pediatric (<18 years of age) related incidents account for just over 6% of all EMS responses nationwide, which equates to over 2.7 million pediatric calls.
Children have different physiological and psychological needs from adults, and caring for them often involves added levels of stress due to dosing calculations, variable equipment sizes and challenges of therapeutic communication strategies. This is where the role of a pediatric emergency care coordinator (PECC) becomes crucial.
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Why pediatric care coordination matters
The Institute of Medicine’s 2007 publication, “Emergency care for children: Growing pains,” recommended that EMS agencies appoint a pediatric emergency coordinator (PECC) to provide pediatric leadership for the organization. This recommendation was based on findings that PECCs “are necessary to advocate for improved competencies and the availability of resources for pediatric patients.”
A PECC is a healthcare professional dedicated to ensuring that EMS agencies (and emergency departments) are prepared to deliver high-quality care tailored to the needs of children. This position is about creating and sustaining a system that is continuously ready for pediatric emergencies. PECCs work to build/maintain protocols, provide ongoing training and promote standards that help paramedics and EMTs feel confident in their ability to provide life-saving care to young patients.
- The PECC can be any EMS provider – EMT or paramedic of any rank (staff member, EMS coordinator, supervisor, captain, assistant chief or chief of service) from your agency with an interest in pediatric care. This person will serve as the local pediatric contact and as a liaison between your agency/department and state EMSC coordinator.
- This role will help advocate for and coordinate pediatric education and training for your team.
- PECCs may have a variety of responsibilities, including ensuring the availability of pediatric equipment, supplies and medications, pediatric education/training and advocating for pediatric considerations in protocol/policy development.
- EMSC asks that agency leadership provides whatever support is feasible for your organization to support the PECC to carry out their role.
- The expected minimum commitment based on others functioning in this role is 1 hour per week.
- Attendance of PECC at the quarterly state EMSC meetings is strongly encouraged.
For EMS clinicians, the presence of a PECC means greater support, clearer guidance and enhanced training specifically focused on pediatric care. PECCs help bridge gaps that can exist between EMS and hospital teams, creating a more seamless transition of care when pediatric patients are handed off. This continuity improves outcomes, minimizes confusion, and provides families with peace of mind that their child is receiving well-coordinated care.
For more information, please visit: PECCs (pediatric champions) • EIIC
The Pediatric Readiness Project makes it easy for you
The Pediatric Readiness Project is a national initiative aimed at helping all emergency departments and EMS systems assess and improve their pediatric readiness. This project provides essential benchmarks and tools for evaluating readiness, addressing equipment needs, establishing pediatric-specific guidelines, and facilitating training that ensures EMTs and paramedics are prepared for any child-focused emergency.
The project brings attention to the unique ways in which pediatric patients differ from adults in emergency care. For example, children have different vital signs, they’re more sensitive to fluid loss and they respond differently to many medications. The Pediatric Readiness Project aims to ensure that these critical nuances are accounted for in every EMS system and emergency department, and that the appropriate pediatric resources are available when needed.
Key benefits for EMS teams
- Confidence and competence. A PECC provides paramedics and EMTs with hands-on, scenario-based training, empowering them to act quickly and effectively in pediatric emergencies. This training goes beyond standard protocols and addresses the specific challenges EMS teams face in the field.
- Increased pediatric survival rates. Studies show that a well-prepared pediatric care system can significantly reduce mortality in pediatric patients. Having a PECC can mean the difference between life and death for children in critical condition.
- Community trust. Families trust EMS to be there in times of crisis. When EMS teams are prepared and equipped for pediatric emergencies, it enhances public trust and community engagement.
For more information, please visit: Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project • EIIC
Breaking down barriers
Despite the clear benefits, many EMS systems lack a defined PECC due to barriers such as funding, staffing or management buy-in. The Pediatric Readiness Project addresses these challenges by providing resources, data and evidence-based recommendations that support the case for investing in pediatric readiness. Additionally, local and state-level initiatives are making it easier for EMS agencies to secure the funding and support needed to establish PECC roles.
For paramedics and EMTs, knowing there is a PECC and a readiness plan in place means knowing you are equipped to handle the unique demands of pediatric emergencies. By supporting the Pediatric Readiness Project and advocating for PECC roles within EMS, we can collectively build a system that is truly prepared to care for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.
However, we need your help to guide efforts toward tackling pediatric readiness and improving the presence of pediatric emergency care coordinators. Please take a moment to help our team improve the prevalence of the PECC role. Just click on: Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator Survey and help empower EMS and fire-rescue agencies to become “pediatric ready.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephanie Ashford, EdS, NRP, FAEMS, is the division chief of clinical practice and standards for the St. Charles County Ambulance District in St. Louis, Missouri. She has been in EMS for 27 years and serves the National Association of EMS Physicians as faculty for the Quality Improvement & Safety Course, as well as course director for the EMS Educator Collaborative and the Life-Long Learning course. Both arms offer an exciting year-long program that provides EMS leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and lead evidence-based education and quality and patient safety initiatives in their region, system or agency.