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DHHR celebrated Emergency Medical Services for Children Day

While the information contained in this news article was current and accurate when we posted it, it may not necessarily represent current WVOEMS policy or procedure. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 304-558-3956.

Posted: Thursday, May 21, 2015 2:32 PM

On May 20, 2015, DHHR celebrated Emergency Medical Services for Children Day by commending Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies across the state for their ongoing preparedness for pediatric emergency response.

More than 5% of all emergencies responded to by an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field provider in the United States is to a child under the age of 18 years.  This means special care and attention is needed by first responders for those emergency calls.

"Children cannot be treated as merely small adults as they respond very differently than an adult would in a medical emergency," said Dr. Rahul Gupta, State Health Officer and Commissioner for the Bureau for Public Health.  "The Bureau for Public Health's Office of Emergency Medical Services works with EMS agencies across West Virginia to ensure that paramedics and emergency medical technicians are receiving the pediatric medical training necessary to ensure that every child and adolescent patient treated, receives consistent, optimal care in a medical or trauma emergency."

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued a proclamation recognizing May 20 as Emergency Medical Services for Children Day in support of all children and adolescents receiving appropriate care during a health emergency, regardless of where they live, attend school or travel.

"I want to commend the State's EMS for Children Program, EMS field providers and EMS agencies for their time and dedication it takes preparing for pediatric response," said Gupta.  "West Virginia is a leader when it comes to being prepared with the training and equipment necessary for pediatric emergency response which serves as an example to other states."

Learn more about the Department's EMS for Children Program at www.wvoems.org or by calling (888) 747-8367 or (304) 558-3956.

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