Emergency medical care for children: How well integrated are pediatric issues into state emergency medical service systems?

Michael Ely, MHRM¹, Mike Schnyder, NNREMT-P², Lisa K. Hyde, BS³, Amy E. Donaldson, MS², and Ron Furnival, MD⁴. (1) Intermountain Injury Control Research Center, University of Utah, 615 Arapeen Drive, Suite 202, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, 801-585-9761, michael.ely@hsc.utah.edu, (2) Intermountain Injury Control Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, 615 Arapeen Drive, Suite 202, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, (3) University of Utah School of Medicine, Intermountain Injury Control Research Center, 615 Arapeen Dr, Suite 202, Salt Lake City, UT 84108-1226, (4) University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, 127 S 500 E, #600, Satl Lake City, UT 84102

Introduction: Assuring appropriate emergency care for children has been a recognized need in this country, as evidenced by the creation of a federal program in 1984 providing money to states for this purpose. The objective of this study is to evaluate key indicators of the penetration of pediatric issues into state EMS systems. Methods: Survey information was gathered from 54 states and U.S. territories in Spring 2003. Topics included pediatric training for EMS providers, existence of mandated pediatric equipment, protocols, and medications, and injury prevention measures. Results: 98% of states offer continuing education in pediatric emergency care for EMS providers, but 80% indicated that continued federal funds are necessary for this purpose. Pediatric online medical direction for patient treatment is available to EMS providers in 65% of states, while 42% of states mandate the use of pediatric protocols by EMS providers for various patient conditions. 98% of states require that pediatric equipment be carried on ambulance units while 79% require the same for air transport units. Similarly, 50% of states require pediatric medications for ambulance units while 35% require the same for air transport units. Finally, EMS providers are utilized in community injury prevention programs for children in 60% of states. Conclusion: An emphasis on pediatric training of EMS providers exists across states, but continued federal resources are necessary to support these efforts. Mandated pediatric protocols are lacking in a majority of states, as are medication lists for EMS providers, which could have negative implications for proper pediatric patient treatment.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this presentation, participants will

1. Have an understanding of the purposes of the Emergency Medical Services for Children program federally and at the state level.
2. Have a basic understanding of how well integrated pediatric issues are in state emergency medical service systems of care.
3. Have an understanding of where deficiencies exist and what program areas need continued attention to promote better integration of EMSC issues into state EMS systems.

Keywords: Children's Health, EMS/Trauma

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation

Emergency Medical Care and Transport

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA