COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Health Care’s ambulance service is the first in Boone County to receive the EMS for Children certification from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

To receive the certification, MU Health Care demonstrated that its ambulance and helicopter fleet is equipped with Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment for treating children.

“This state certification reinforces our commitment to the community that we are prepared and able to treat any illness or emergency that relates to children,” said Brenda Jensen, manager of emergency services at University Hospital.

EMS providers care for patients of all ages, who may experience a wide variety of medical and traumatic conditions. On board each ambulance is a full range of adult and pediatric equipment and supplies. Items such as backboards and oxygen masks come in different sizes designed to meet the needs of the adult or pediatric patient.

“When every second counts, it’s critical that our paramedics have access to equipment specially designed for treating children,” said Eric Mills, assistant manager of University Hospital’s ambulance service. “With this certification, we take assurance that our ambulances are operating with the highest equipment standards for our pediatric patients.”

University of Missouri Health Care operates four ALS ambulances in Boone County and three Staff for Life helicopters in central Missouri. These emergency transport vehicles are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by University Hospital paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Left: Craig Halliburton, ambulance supervisor, applies the new EMS for Children seal to a University Hospital ambulance