The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42745

D. Breck Rushton, RN, MPH¹, Nels Sanddal, MS, REMT-B², and Teri L. Sanddal, BS². (1) Emergency Medical Services, Utah Department of Health, P.O. Box 142004, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, 801-538-6719, brushton@doh.state.ut.us, (2) Critical Illness and Trauma Foundation, 300 North Willson Avenue, Suite 3002, Bozeman, MT 59715

Advances in medicine have made it possible for children with special health care needs, including those who are depend upon technology, to be discharged to home settings. Post discharge Emergency Medical Service (EMS) data confirm that a many as 39% of these children require an EMS response within the first six months of discharge to home. This shift has challenged EMS systems as they attempt to provide quality care and appropriate transports to these children during acute crises. The EMS system and personnel have neither been notified when children are discharged to their community nor trained to provide optimal care.

In Utah, a need’s assessment conducted by the Utah Department of Health revealed that EMS providers wanted an education and notification program related to children with special health care needs. In response to that survey, and with the assistance of an EMS for Children targeted issues grant, a notification system has been established. Working with the Critical Illness and Trauma Foundation and other consultants an educational package comprised of written materials, instructor supplements, an interactive CD ROM, and suggested response protocols, have been developed and distributed to prehospital care providers. This integrated program may serve as a working model for other localities.

Learning Objectives: