A Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) is:
An individual(s) who is responsible for coordinating pediatric specific activities. A designated individual(s) who coordinates pediatric emergency care need not be dedicated solely to this role; it can be an individual(s) already in place who assumes this role as part of their existing duties. The individual(s) may be a member of your agency, or work at a county or regional level and serve more than one agency.
Purpose:
The intent of designating and developing the role of a PECC is to ensure that there is a dedicated individual(s) identified at the local EMS agency that represents pediatric interest and performs the roles listed below. An agency does not have to have a single person performing the functions of a PECC. The responsibilities can be fulfilled by two or more people, such as the medical director, EMS chief, training officer, or other prehospital professional. Additionally, there could be a region wide individual(s) that performs the responsibilities as a PECC for EMS agencies within a region.
Who can fill this role?
Some certifications of the individual(s) who might fulfill the PECC role include, but are not limited to:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Physician (MD, DO)
Responsibilities
Some responsibilities of the individual(s) who might fulfill the PECC role include, but are not limited to:
- Ensures that the pediatric perspective is included in the development of EMS protocols.
- Ensures that fellow EMS providers follow pediatric clinical practice guidelines.
- Promotes pediatric continuing-education opportunities.
- Oversees the pediatric-process improvement.
- Ensures the availability of pediatric medications, equipment, and supplies.
- Promotes agency participation in pediatric-prevention programs.
- Promotes agency participation in pediatric-research efforts.
- Liaises with the emergency department pediatric emergency care coordinator.
- Promotes family-centered care at the agency.
PECC Fast Facts
This is a generic version that can be used by states for PECC promotion. Contact Rachael Alter (alter@nasemso.org) if you would like a version tailored for your state.
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