By Dale Heberlig
Public Opinion
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — Shippensburg Area EMS recently met requirements for first-stage approval of the PA EMS Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program that focuses on meeting specific needs of young patients.
Heather Franzoni, the ambulance company’s public relations officer, said SAEMS officials are committed to meeting the second and third-phase requirements as well.
The program was introduced in December 2013 by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS and the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council and EMS for Children (EMSC) as a multi-phase recognition program for EMS agencies that choose to establish programs and standards to improve their capabilities to deliver care to pediatrics.
The EMSC program centers around EMS agencies carrying pediatric-specific equipment on their EMS vehicles beyond what is currently required for ambulance licensure in Pennsylvania. From there, agencies may opt to attain higher levels of recognition.
Franzoni said SAEMS responders were already enhancing their pediatric care when the voluntary program was announced. She said the company began developing pediatric-specific bags a year ago, and now every basic or life support ambulance is stocked with equipment bags prepared for specific size and weight youngsters.
Among the size-appropriate gear are splints, cervical collars and adaptors for pulse-oximeter monitoring equipment that can attach to a child’s ear or foot in addition to a finger.
“This is very helpful when it is all in one place during the time of need” Franzoni said.
Another new addition to SAEMS units is the “pedi-mate” that insures proper and safe transport for pediatric patients. Franzoni said every company EMT and paramedic have trained in the use of the device. She said the pedi-mate is strapped to a stretcher and then the pediatric patient is strapped into the pedi-mate, providing a second measure of security.
Higher certification hinges, in part, on a “whole range” of specialized pediatric equipment required by state regulators.
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©2015 the Public Opinion (Chambersburg, Pa.)