Angela Turner
The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — On Tuesday Whitley County EMS accepted an award for excellence in pediatric care.
As part of National EMS Week (May 18-25) Whitley County EMS was awarded an Award for Excellence in Pediatric Care by the Kentucky EMS for Children Pediatric Recognition Program. Whitley County is one of eight recognized with the award statewide.
The purpose of the award is to highlight EMS providers that go above and beyond what the state requires in terms of providing pediatric care.
On Tuesday, several Whitley County EMS representatives, Whitley County EMS Director Kelly Harrison and Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White Jr. were on hand for the presentation.
“I’m extremely proud of our EMS for receiving this,” said White. “Taking care of and providing for our most precious citizens is one of our most sincere obligations. It is rewarding to know that our service is among those recognized by the state and that we are among very few given this award.”
Harrison said she was honored and will keep up the good work.
In order to be considered for this award the EMS provider must meet specific criteria set out by the state. There must be a designated pediatric emergency care coordinator, they must comply with national recommendations for pediatric equipment carried on the ambulance, and engage in pediatric focused community outreach. Also, all EMTs and paramedics are required additional continuing education hours in pediatric related courses and must pass an annual demonstration of competency.
“Improving emergency medical care of children in all of our communities across the state is crucial,” said KYEMSC for Children Project Director Morgan Scaggs. “These agencies have gone the extra mile in their commitment to improving emergency pediatric care that sets a standard for others.
Scaggs added that while the numbers for EMS activations for children under the age of 18 is low, children however have unique developmental and physiological needs.
“Providing care to those patients is an added challenge and when you don’t get to do it on a regular basis it makes it even more difficult,” Scaggs noted.
This award is given yearly to EMS provides who meet the above requirements.
“We hope to have you enrolled in the program for many more years to come,” added Scaggs.
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©2019 The Times-Tribune (Corbin, Ky.)