Frankfort, Ky. – Needing to call 911 for your child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Kentucky’s emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians are always there, ready to respond. In recognition of EMS clinicians/ commitment to meeting the unique health needs of children and families, EMS for Children Day is celebrated annually on the Wednesday of National EMS Week. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about improving the care children receive in an emergency.
The Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS), through its Kentucky EMS for Children (KYEMSC) Program, has established Pediatric Readiness programs to recognize EMS agencies who have made a special commitment to improving the care provided to children when they need it most.
Pediatric Readiness in EMS
“Children account for less than 5 percent of the patients seen by EMS in Kentucky. While we are happy the number is low, it also means we have less direct experience in meeting their unique needs. We must intentionally practice our skills, review our protocols and keep equipment ready to ensure kids receive the right care when it matters most,” said KYEMSC Program Administrator, Morgan Scaggs. “These agencies have demonstrated that they are committed to improving emergency pediatric care and they are raising the bar for everyone, and we couldn’t be happier to recognize and celebrate them.
5 or more consecutive years:
• AMR Owensboro-Daviess County EMS
• Burlington Fire Protection District
• Fern Creek Fire and EMS
• Georgetown Scott County EMS
• Hebron Fire Protection District
• Henry County EMS
• Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
• Jessamine County EMS
• King’s Daughters Medical Transport
• Louisville Metro EMS
• Madison County EMS
• Mayfield Graves County Ambulance Service
• Medical Center EMS
• Murray-Calloway County EMS
• Oldham County EMS
• Pikeville Fire Department
• Somerset Pulaski County EMS
• St. Matthews Fire & Rescue
• Woodford County EMS
2-4 Consecutive Years: Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS, Anderson County Emergency Services, Boyle County EMS, Bullitt County EMS, Carlisle County Ambulance Service, Deaconess EMS, Florence Fire and EMS , Independence Fire District, McLean County EMS, Owensboro Muhlenberg EMS, Pleasure Ridge Park, Shelby County EMS, and Spencer County EMS
1st Year: Medical Center Ambulance Service and Frankfort Fire and EMS
This is the seventh year for the EMS recognition program and all participating agencies must reapply annually to demonstrate their continued commitment to excellence in pediatric emergency care. KYEMSC commends the agencies above for their dedication to meeting the needs of the children in their communities.
For more information about services provided by the KBEMS and KYEMSC year-round, visit kbems.ky.gov
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The KBEMS brings lifesaving, emergency medical care to the Commonwealth by certifying first responders and Emergency Medical Technicians, providing licenses to paramedics and ambulance services and establishing standards for education and training of Emergency Medical Services personnel. KBEMS is also a participant in the EMS for Children Program, which encourages providers to improve their pediatric skills and increase public awareness regarding the health and safety of children.
Connect with KBEMS: kbems.ky.gov | Facebook @KYBoardEMS |Instagram @KYBoardEMS | X @KBEMS
