Empowering EMS Clinicians to Recognize and Prevent Child Abuse: Insights from TEN-4 Day
- Published October 31, 2025
Child maltreatment remains a leading cause of injury and death in children, but the warning signs are often subtle and easily overlooked. Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians are uniquely positioned to identify these early indicators of abuse and provide lifesaving support for children and families.
Each year on October 4, TEN-4 Day raises awareness of the TEN-4-FACESp rule, an evidence-based tool designed to help clinicians recognize bruising patterns that may signal child abuse.
As part of this year’s observance, Kathleen Adelgais, MD, MPH, and Gunjan Tiyyagura, MD, MHS, presented a Prodigy EMS webinar featuring real-world cases, trauma-informed care strategies, and practical guidance for connecting families with community resources.
Watch the full TEN-4 Day webinar (log-in required; enter code “EIIC” for free access) or explore related content on PEAK: Child Abuse to strengthen your ability to protect vulnerable children and promote safe, family-centered care.