Pediatric readiness
Having PECC(s) is a key element of pediatric readiness for EDs and for EMS.
What is a pediatric emergency care coordinator (PECC)?
Sometimes called a “pediatric champion,” this individual(s) is responsible for ensuring EMS agencies and emergency departments (EDs) follow 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.
Why is the PECC role important?
PECCs are a proven strategy for improving emergency care for children. Having PECCs in the ED is tied to double-digit increases in Pediatric Readiness scores (which are measured on a scale of 0-100). Since significant survival benefits exist at 88 points or above, a PECC is one of the strongest drivers of improved pediatric outcomes. While prehospital research is ongoing, it is expected that PECCs in EMS agencies have a similar impact.
Having a PECC is recommended by:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- American College of Surgeons
- Emergency Nurses Association
- Emergency Medical Services for Children Program
- National Academy of Sciences
- National Association of State EMS Officials
- National EMS Advisory Council
- And many more organizations.
What does the PECC role look like?
PECC roles can vary by setting, patient volume, and resources.
- In EDs, both a nurse and physician (or advanced practice provider) PECC are recommended. In EMS agencies, only one PECC is recommended.
- In settings with limited resources, a single PECC may serve multiple systems or responsibilities of the PECC may be shared by multiple individuals.
- Ideally, PECCs should have protected time, a specific job description, and recognition and support from their administration.
- The individual(s) do not need to be solely dedicated to the PECC role. The role can be part of existing duties.
- The individual(s) do not necessarily need pediatric-specific expertise or background.
How do I establish a PECC in my EMS agency or ED?
- Talk to your leadership
- Explore the resources below
- Contact the EMSC State Partnership Program Manager in your state for support
Foundational Resource:
Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project Toolkit resources (including PECC job descriptions)
Additional Resources:
- The Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator: Where Emergency Care for Kids Begins (May 2023) - EMS for Children Day webinar
- PECC Workforce Development Collaborative resources (2021) - resources from a quality improvement collaborative that focused on developing the PECC position within EMS agency and ED settings
- PECC Learning Collaborative resources (2019) - resources for EMS agency PECCs collated during a learning collaborative
EMSC PECC Research Projects:
Learn about three ongoing EMSC research projects in Connecticut, Louisiana, and North Carolina that are identifying strategies to establish, sustain, and maximize the PECC role in EMS agencies.
Foundational Resources:
National Pediatric Readiness Project Toolkit resources (including job descriptions for nurse and physician PECCs)
Emergency Department PECC Module Series - Learn more about pediatric emergency care coordinators(PECCs)/pediatric champions in the ED and how they impact each domain of pediatric readiness.
Additional Resources:
- PECC Workforce Development Collaborative resources (2021) - resources from a quality improvement collaborative that focused on developing the PECC position within ED and EMS agency settings