Missouri program ensures ambulances carry all devices required to transport children of any age

The Missouri Emergency Medical Services for Children (MO EMSC) has certified that all MU Health Care ambulances are properly equipped to transport children of any age and ambulance staff have undergone additional training through the Pediatric Readiness and Excellence Program.

Pediatric patients require specific equipment, training and preparedness during prehospital care. The MO EMSC certification demonstrates MU Health Care’s commitment to meeting this need by verifying that it carries all essential pediatric-specific equipment and has appointed a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator to lead ongoing pediatric education, support quality improvement efforts and ensure that pediatric emergency care remains a top priority.  

“The equipment that’s designed for our adult patients isn’t always a fit for children,” said Troy McAdams, MU Health Care’s coordinator for ground ambulance services. “That’s why it’s important to make sure we have the appropriate equipment tailored specifically for our youngest patients. We take great pride in knowing our ambulance crews have the tools and the training they need to treat patients of all ages.”

In addition to the equipment and coordinator requirements, MOEMSC certification required MU Health Care ambulance staff to complete a training module designed to help staff recognize and navigate the differences between treating children and adults.

The MOEMSC program is federally funded with a mission to reduce childhood mortality and morbidity resulting from severe illness or trauma by strengthening pediatric prehospital and hospital emergency care across the state.  Learn more about the program at moemsc.org.

Contact: Eric Maze, mazee@health.missouri.edu, (573) 884-3656