Raising the bar for Pediatric Readiness Recognition Programs

Pediatric readiness saves lives. Yet, not all emergency departments (EDs) and EMS agencies across the United States are equally prepared to care for children in emergencies. Pediatric readiness recognition programs are one way to encourage improved readiness. These programs recognize and honor EDs and EMS agencies for meeting certain standards in care.

Until recently, recognition program standards varied by state. To reduce this variation the EMSC State Partnership program managers have collaborated through the Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program Collaborative (PRRPC) to create more unified, evidence-informed standards that ensure consistent, high-quality care for children across emergency systems.

What is the Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program Collaborative (PRRPC)?

The PRRPC brought together EMSC State Partnership program managers from across the country to develop standardized pediatric readiness recognition programs. These programs are designed to:

• Identify and acknowledge EDs and EMS agencies that meet high standards of pediatric emergency care
• Encourage continuous quality improvement
• Promote equity and consistency in pediatric readiness nationwide

Through a year-long collaborative effort, the PRRPC established minimum consensus criteria for Pediatric Readiness, along with stretch goal criteria for organizations aiming to exceed baseline standards.

Explore the PRRPC 2023 Cohort and its impact
View the Pediatric Readiness Criteria Report Findings

Why standardized Pediatric Readiness matters

Research shows that pediatric emergency care preparedness directly correlates with better outcomes for children. In fact, universal Pediatric Readiness in all EDs nationwide could save more than 2,100 children’s lives annually. Since participation in recognition programs in EDs is associated with improved Pediatric Readiness, recognition programs play an important role supporting improving outcomes.

Get involved

Whether you’re part of an ED, EMS agency, or healthcare leadership team, your participation in pediatric readiness initiatives can drive meaningful, life-saving change. Find out whether your state has officially rolled out its ED or EMS agency recognition program.