North Dakota Ag Connection - Emergency Medical Service for Children's Day Highlights Response

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Emergency Medical Service for Children's Day Highlights Response
North Dakota Ag Connection - 05/23/2018

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) recognizes May 23 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for Children Day. Over 30 million children receive emergency medical care each year due to illness or injury in the United States. Properly trained emergency personnel, sufficiently equipped ambulances, pediatric-ready emergency departments and well-defined pediatric treatment protocols and procedures improve health outcomes and survivability in children.

"Children used to be treated as small adults," said Amy Keller, North Dakota EMS for Children program coordinator. "Science has shown that not to be the case. North Dakota's EMS personnel go the extra mile to ensure they have specialized training in how to help children and adolescents, as well as carry the necessary equipment for individual health needs. They are trained in how to communicate with families and are prepared to give kids the best care possible."

North Dakota relies on its established partnership within the EMS community, as well as physicians and nurses who provide pediatric emergency care, to help communities reduce child and youth disability and death due to severe illness or injury. The NDDoH recognizes the value and accomplishments of EMS and the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to improve the quality of pediatric medical care.

Eighteen EMS agencies in the state are currently recognized as being "Pediatric Prepared" through a voluntary recognition program sponsored by the EMS for Children program. These services must participate in pediatric training, carry pediatric equipment and perform outreach in their communities. You can find a list of Pediatric Prepared services along with a list of requirements at http://bit.ly/NDEMSchildren.

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