EMSC
In most cases, the most appropriate place for an acutely injured child requiring immediate or urgent evaluation and care by a physician is an emergency department that is appropriately staffed and equipped for pediatric care. In the case of a severely injured or potentially severely injured child, the most appropriate facility is, where available, the closest designated pediatric trauma center or designated trauma center that meets the ACS criteria for pediatric trauma care.
NASEMSO recognizes that a fully developed, fully inclusive system of trauma care with all components in place, and with appropriate emphasis on pediatric issues, would enhance the likelihood that acutely injured children were treated at the appropriate facility (primarily or secondarily) in a timely manner.
We also recognize the importance of continuing education on pediatric care for EMS providers, the need for evaluation of emergency vehicle equipment for pediatrics, assuring the pediatric competency of EMS medical directors, reviewing the prevalence, utilization and efficacy of pediatric treatment modalities are important to saving the lives of children.
NASEMSO supports the EMSC program as an essential mechanism for the realization of better care for children and further encourage collaboration and integration of EMSC with EMS at the state level.