Announcing the launch of the 2026 EMSC NPRQI Collaborative
The EMSC National Pediatric Readiness Quality Initiative (NPRQI) Collaborative will launch in January 2026. This free opportunity will help EDs establish a solid foundation in quality improvement (QI) and prepare for the 2026 National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Assessment. As part of the collaborative, participants will access NPRQI, a free visualization tool for tracking and analyzing 28 pediatric quality metrics, with no QI experience needed. Collaborative participants will receive expert QI coaching and practical tools to implement QI initiatives focused on pediatric head trauma, pain assessment, suicide screening, and abnormal vital signs reassessment. Learn more or sign up.
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ENA passes resolution in support of PECCs
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) delegation voted overwhelmingly, 95% in favor, to adopt GA25-02A: Designation of a Nurse Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) in Every ED. The vote, held at ENA’s General Assembly in New Orleans last weekend, underscores ENA’s strong commitment to Pediatric Readiness and the essential role of PECCs. Pictured at right are the authors of the resolution (several of whom are members of the EMSC community), just after the vote.
PECCs ensure EDs are prepared to care for children by supporting policies, equipment, training, and quality improvement. Studies show that EDs with designated PECCs consistently achieve higher Pediatric Readiness scores. Learn more about PECCs.
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New resources: Full ED PECC Module Series now live
The new ED Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) Module Series is now available on the EMSC website. This nine-part, self-paced learning resource covers everything from the fundamentals of the PECC role and Pediatric Readiness best practices to topics like patient safety and equipment preparedness. Each module offers a certificate of completion and takes between 8 and 15 minutes to complete, making them both accessible and practical. Already, PECCs across the country are putting these modules to use, and we would love your feedback to keep improving the series. Start learning now.
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Meet the managers: Welcome the newest State Partnership Program managers!
The EMSC Program is thrilled to introduce three new State Partnership Program managers for Ohio, Virginia, and Wyoming. State Partnership Program managers are vital to the EMSC Program because they work to expand and improve emergency care for children in real-time and at the community and state level. They do this in part by working on performance measures as outlined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Learn more.
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Q&A with Joc: Reflecting on 38 Years with EMSC
Jocelyn (Joc) Hulbert, HRSA EMSC Project Officer, announced her retirement over the summer. As we approach Joc’s last day after 38 years with the EMSC Program, she shares her reflections on her journey with HRSA and EMSC. Read the article.
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Safety alert: Broselow Pediatric Emergency Rainbow Tape recall
The FDA has issued its most serious type of recall for certain Broselow Pediatric Emergency Rainbow Tapes due to labeling errors that could cause dosing mistakes. The recall involves removing affected devices from where they are used or sold. Continued use of these tapes may cause serious injury or death. Organizations should review the recall notice, check all inventory, and replace any impacted products immediately. Read the recall notice.
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New Measles Guide for EMS
The Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) has released a new Measles Guide to help EMS clinicians and first responders safely manage suspected or confirmed measles cases. It outlines key protocols for recognizing symptoms, applying precautions, and minimizing transmission, with a strong emphasis on ensuring all patients and health care workers are protected. This is a quick-reference tool that supports rapid, safe, and effective care during outbreaks. Access the Measles Guide.
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Tomorrow: Prehospital Pediatric Airway Management
Join the DC EMSC State Partnership for a free virtual education session on prehospital pediatric airway management, presented by Rachel Hatcliffe, MD. This one-hour session is designed specifically for EMS clinicians and offers 1.0 EMS CE (only applications submitted for DC, VA, and MD; all others will receive a certificate with a DC CE number). The live session will take place tomorrow, September 24, at 10 am ET and will provide practical strategies to strengthen pediatric airway care in the field. Email to register for the session.
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New training: Caring for Children with Medical Complexity at Home
The Pediatric Pandemic Network's new training, developed in collaboration with the Missouri EMSC State Partnership Program, gives home health nurses, EMS clinicians, and caregivers practical skills to support children with medical complexity (CMC) and children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) during hospital-to-home transitions. Participants will gain an understanding of what CMC and CYSHCN mean and why they matter, as well as learn how to prepare for the first 24 hours of home care, and strengthen emergency Pediatric Readiness by working effectively with EMS. This training is designed to boost your skills, support families, and improve outcomes. Access the free training.
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New federal resource: NHTSA Electric Vehicle Emergency Response Guides
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now offers an online hub for electric vehicle Emergency Response Guides and rescue sheets from all major manufacturers. This site gives first and second responders vital information for safely handling battery-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles in emergencies such as fire, submersion, fluid leaks, and crashes. Users can filter by make and model to quickly access either a detailed guide or a quick reference rescue sheet for on-scene use. Access response guides.
| | The EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award (U07MC37471) totaling $2.74M with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit hrsa.gov. | | | | |
