Utah’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program, in collaboration with Primary Children’s Hospital, is dedicated to improving the health outcomes for children aged 0-14 in Utah and the surrounding intermountain region. The program focuses on creating a comprehensive EMS and Trauma Response system by championing injury prevention, delivering high-quality training, and implementing performance improvement initiatives for both communities and healthcare providers.
A cornerstone of these efforts is the Pediatric Emergency and Trauma Outreach Series (Petos). This free lecture series is a partnership between Primary Children’s Hospital, EMSC, the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, and the University of Utah, specifically designed for EMS providers. PETOS lectures are conducted by physicians from Primary Children’s Hospital, offering expert insights and the latest knowledge in pediatric emergency and trauma care. These valuable sessions are held on the second Monday of each month, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. For those seeking to expand their expertise in pediatric emergency medicine, the PETOS website provides further details and registration information: PETOS website.
Beyond PETOS, the EMSC program encompasses several other vital initiatives. The John Wilson Autism Awareness Program is a specialized training module developed to equip EMS personnel with the necessary skills and sensory tools to effectively treat pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder. This program focuses on recognizing autism-related behaviors, employing de-escalation techniques, and understanding sensory sensitivities to ensure better patient care. EMS agencies interested in scheduling this crucial training can contact Jeffery Wilson at [email protected].
Another key educational offering is the Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC) course from NAEMT. This course provides healthcare providers with essential skills for managing pediatric emergencies. Participants will learn advanced pediatric assessment techniques, including airway management, vascular access, and trauma care, all tailored to the unique needs of children in emergency situations. The EPC course emphasizes a systematic approach, integrating critical thinking and decision-making through interactive simulations and case studies. For agencies or areas looking to schedule this course, Jared Wright can be contacted at [email protected] or (801) 230 – 4721.
To further support the pediatric emergency care community, EMSC provides a range of resources including the Bike Rodeo Program, PECC (Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators) Resources, the EMSC Connects Newsletter, and the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network (UPTN).
The Utah Pediatric Trauma Network (UPTN) is dedicated to reducing pediatric injury-related morbidity and mortality in Utah. UPTN collaborates with healthcare facilities to establish best practice guidelines and quality benchmarks, ensuring that injured children receive the most appropriate care in the right facility at the right time. More information about the network and its initiatives can be found on the UPTN Website. UPTN also provides various forms and references to assist healthcare professionals in delivering optimal pediatric trauma care.
