The National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) empowers emergency departments (EDs) to improve their capability to provide high-quality care for children, also known as being “pediatric ready.” The project is led by the EMSC Program in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Emergency Nurses Association. The NPRP offers free and open-access assessment opportunities as well as resources to address gaps.

Why improve pediatric emergency care?

Children have unique characteristics that require specific care, especially in emergencies. But not all children have access to specialized pediatric care. In fact, 80% of children receive emergency care in general EDs. General EDs primarily treat adults and may not be well-prepared for children because of low pediatric patient volume. In the 2013 NPRP assessment, the median score for EDs was 69 out of 100, and scores increased with increased pediatric patient volume.

Pediatric readiness saves lives.

Research shows that high pediatric readiness (>87 points) is associated with:

• 76% lower mortality rate in ill children
• 60% lower mortality rate in injured children
• at least 1,400 children’s lives saved across the United States each year

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