Investing in pediatric emergency care could save more than 2,100 children's lives annually, study finds

A new study has found that high levels of Pediatric Readiness in all EDs could save 2,143 children's lives each year and cost between $0 and $12 per child resident, depending on their state. The landmark research, published last Friday in JAMA Network Open, is the first to identify totals of lives that could be saved nationally and by state. The research adds to a growing body of evidence that Pediatric Readiness is both imperative and achievable for all EDs. The study, which has received attention from national media, including The New York Times, was led by Craig Newgard, MD, MPH, of Oregon Health & Science University, with senior author Nathan Kuppermann, MD, of Children’s National Hospital. Learn more.

Pediatric emergency care coordination: Third module released in learning series

Having pediatric emergency care coordinators (PECCs) in the ED is the most important strategy for improving Pediatric Readiness and is tied to double-digit increases in Pediatric Readiness scores. To help support clinicians in the role of the PECC, the EMSC Program has released the third module in its ED PECC learning module series. The modules include step-by-step instructions for evaluating the readiness of your ED, strategies for getting buy-in to develop the PECC role, PECC job descriptions, and more! The modules are free and open-access. View them here.

IV fluids shortage news and updates

A nationwide shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids continues as the result of supply chain disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. Federal agencies and other health organizations are actively working to increase access to IV fluids, which are essential for patient care. Below are resources and guidance to help providers and families stay prepared and updated:

• Health and Human Services (HHS) Fact Sheet on IV Fluid Shortage
• HHS IV Fluid Conservation Briefing and Update Video recorded Oct. 28
• Food and Drug Administration Hurricane Helene Response and Supply Chain Impact
• Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) Guidelines for Conservation of IV Fluid Bags During Supply Chain Disruption
• PPN Conserving IV Fluids and Oral Rehydration Resource Guide
• PPN Family guidelines and information related to shortage of IV fluid bags

Prehospital assessment process highlighted

A paper outlining the methodology behind the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project Assessment was recently published in Academic Emergency Medicine. The publication describes the evolution of the first comprehensive, nationwide assessment of pediatric capabilities of EMS and fire-rescue agencies, from the development of a scoring algorithm to pilot testing. More than 7,000 agencies responded to the assessment, which closed July 31. Read the paper or learn more about the project.

State spotlight: West Virginia’s first multiday pediatric symposium

Last month, West Virginia’s EMSC Program hosted its first multiday pediatric symposium, transforming their usual one-day event into a comprehensive experience. Led by Erin Timbrook, West Virginia’s EMSC program manager, and her team, the symposium included more than 150 attendees and featured 21 classes for EMS clinicians and nurses, including training on airway management, pediatric trauma, and provider mental health. A special emphasis of the event was its unique family-friendliness, with children’s activities and daycare available to help encourage attendance and engage the next generation of emergency health providers. Read more.

EMSC out and about: AAP and ACEP

A number of EMSC experts took part in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Experience Annual Conference & Exhibition 2024 and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly '24 earlier this month. EMSC-related presentations at AAP included a PEM essentials course with Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD, Mohsen Saidinejad, MD, MS, MBA, and Ilene Cladius, MD, and a session on identifying child abuse by Julia Magaña, MD, of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN). EMSC highlights at the ACEP Scientific Assembly included a Pediatric Readiness presentation by Gausche-Hill; the inaugural Babble Royale competition moderated by Dennis Ren, MD; and the presentation of the Jane Knapp Emerging Pediatric Emergency Medicine Leader Award to Jennifer Hoffman, MD, MS, of PECARN (pictured above with Saidinejad). It was wonderful to see PEM colleagues, old and new!

FAN work in the field: New Mexico

Learn more about how Family Advisory Network (FAN) representatives make a difference for children.

Name: Katherine Schafer and Chad Kim

State/Territory: New Mexico

The New Mexico EMSC Program is thrilled to highlight the incredible work of the Child Ready Family Advisory Network. This initiative is all about empowering families and enhancing child welfare through collaboration and innovation. With dedicated representatives like FAN representatives Katherine Schafer, BS, and Chad Kim, NR EMTP, MA, who have been with the program for over 15 years, the network has made a significant impact on its community. Read more.