Emergency Medical Services for Children (Community Health Program) | Children's National

The national Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program works in communities around the country to improve the quality of pediatric medical care, with the goal of reducing childhood morbidity and mortality that results from severe illness or trauma. This federal initiative evolved out of a growing recognition that children have unique needs in emergency situations, which often vary from those of adults due to physiological, developmental and psychological differences.

The primary goals of the federally-funded EMSC State Partnership programs are to:

Expand the uptake of pediatric readiness in emergency departments
Improve pediatric readiness in Emergency Medical Services systems
Ensure disaster plans address the needs of children
Prioritize and advance family partnership and leadership in efforts to improve EMSC systems of care

DC Emergency Medical Services for Children Program at Children’s National Hospital

Since 1987, the DC EMSC Program has focused on implementing EMSC performance measures and other initiatives to improve pediatric emergency care for all children in the District of Columbia.

The Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program in the District of Columbia (DC EMSC) is based out of the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center at Children’s National Hospital. The program relies on key partnerships to achieve its objectives and would not be possible without the support and collaboration of DC Health, DC Hospital Association, DC Fire and EMS, and the EMSC Advisory Committee.

DC EMSC team at a training event for healthcare providers.

Making Emergency Care Better

The DC EMSC team partners with Children’s National Hospital and a network of subject matter experts to provide free training to emergency department and prehospital clinicians who want to improve their knowledge and skills in caring for children in emergency situations.

Learn about upcoming trainings

Our Objectives

Education and Outreach for Pediatric Readiness

The DC EMSC program facilitates regular training opportunities for emergency department and prehospital EMS clinicians interested in improving their knowledge and skills related to pediatric emergency care. The program leverages the network of subject matter experts at Children’s National Hospital and other leading organizations to provide virtual and in-person continuing education, simulation and hands-on skills training for our healthcare colleagues across the region.

Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators to Improve Outcomes for Children

Did you know having a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) is one of the strongest drivers of improved pediatric outcomes? A PECC or “pediatric champion” is an individual responsible for ensuring their EMS agency or emergency department follows national recommendations for pediatric emergency care. Responsibilities include familiarizing colleagues with pediatric-specific policies and protocols, promoting pediatric quality improvement efforts, and managing pediatric equipment and supplies. The DC EMSC team is actively recruiting PECCs from hospitals and EMS agencies in D.C. to create a network and share resources to increase readiness for children. Learn more about PECCs and why they’re important.

Building a Pediatric Recognition Program for Hospitals

The DC EMSC team continues to collaborate with key organizations and stakeholders to design and implement a voluntary pediatric recognition program for hospitals in the District to engage all emergency departments in pediatric readiness and improve outcomes for children receiving emergency care. Learn more about how hospital recognition programs contribute to overall pediatric readiness and improve outcomes.

Commitment to Quality Improvement and Research

DC EMSC remains committed to quality improvement, research activities and the dissemination of best practices related to pediatric emergency care. In the most recent grant year, the DC EMSC project director and program manager led or contributed to 23 conference presentations, eight academic courses, seven peer-reviewed publications, four press communications, and one web-based resource related to pediatric emergency care.

Everyday Readiness as a Foundation for Disaster Readiness

The DC EMSC program is proud to partner with the Children’s National Hospital hub site of the Pediatric Pandemic Network and the DC Health and Medical Coalition to ensure the needs of children are included in disaster planning and response activities. The expertise and resources generated by this collaboration will ensure D.C. is prepared to care for children in everyday emergencies as well as in disasters.

Emergency Medical Services for Children Program