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 a PECC 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 physician and nurse 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?
- 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
Emergency Department PECC Module Series
Two modules are currently available, with more in development.
Learn more here.