State spotlight: Celebrating 30 years with EMSC

Evelyn Lyons, RN, MPH, one of EMSC’s longest-serving State Partnership program managers, announced her retirement late last year. Evelyn's remarkable 30-year tenure as Illinois’ EMSC manager saw transformative developments, including developing the nation’s first pediatric recognition program. As she steps into retirement, Evelyn will remain connected with EMSC, mentoring her successor and advancing key initiatives. We took a moment to sit down with Evelyn and reflect on her incredible journey with EMSC.

Tell us about the start of your career with EMSC. How long have you been in this current role?
I have been the EMSC program manager for the past 30 years, ever since the Illinois EMSC program began in 1994. Initially, our state health department led the push for an EMSC program and partnered with Loyola University Medical Center to apply for grant funding. I started working with Loyola from 1994 to 1998. By 1999, the Illinois Department of Public Health had established an EMSC manager position, and I was hired by the state to ensure EMSC initiatives were fully integrated into our state EMS program and to promote their long-term sustainability.

Three decades within the EMSC space is incredible! How has the program evolved since you started, and has anything surprised you along the way?

The EMSC Program has undergone significant changes over the years. The volume and quality of resources has grown exponentially over the years. Also, having data that supports benchmarking and measuring improvement, along with published research that quantifies the extent to which pediatric readiness improves morbidity and mortality, has been invaluable.

Over time, the addition of performance measures has created a much more structured and uniform approach, although in the early years there was more autonomy and states had the flexibility to work on projects based on their identified needs.

What moments stand out the most during your tenure, and what achievements are you particularly proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments is the development and implementation of our state’s hospital pediatric facility recognition program, which includes three tiers. This was a groundbreaking concept at the time, requiring years of effort to build consensus and design the process. After piloting the program in 1998, we began formal implementation in 1999, traveling statewide to introduce it. Today, over 100 hospitals participate, with mandatory involvement for EMS Resource Hospitals and Trauma Centers and voluntary participation for other hospitals.

The program’s requirements are enshrined in state regulations, and we conduct regular in-person site visits to ensure compliance. These visits are carried out by physician and nurse surveyors alongside state EMSC representatives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see data showing that high pediatric readiness scores, often achieved by hospitals in this program, are linked to reduced morbidity and mortality.

What have you enjoyed most about your role with EMSC?
I’ve truly enjoyed the people I’ve met, both within Illinois and across the country. Collaborating with State Partnership managers, especially those in neighboring states, has been a highlight. Together, we’ve been able to tackle educational initiatives and shared challenges.

I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the varied resources and capabilities of prehospital and hospital settings and to contribute to improving pediatric care statewide. Overall, it’s been a deeply rewarding experience.

We understand you’re retiring but plan to remain involved in some capacity. What will your new role within EMSC look like as we start the new year?
After retiring, I’ll work as a contractor 1-2 days a week for our state health department within the Division of EMS. My focus will be on mentoring our current EMSC coordinator, who I hope will transition into the state program manager role soon.

One key project will be establishing a state pediatric prehospital agency recognition program. I also hope to expand participation in our hospital facility recognition program, particularly among rural and critical access hospitals.

What will you miss after retiring?
Without a doubt, I’ll miss the people. I have so many wonderful memories that I will always cherish. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the EMSC family and appreciate everyone who has supported me and our program over the years, including Tee Morrison-Quinata, Yolanda Baker, and the amazing teams at the EDC and EIIC.

Lastly, what are your plans now that you’re retiring?
Retirement still feels surreal, so working part-time with the EMSC Program will provide a nice transition. I plan to spend more time with my 94-year-old mother, who is frailer now. I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with friends I haven’t seen in years.

Beyond that, I’d like to explore volunteer opportunities where I can make a difference locally, such as addressing food insecurity, which is a significant issue in many communities.

On behalf of the entire EMSC community, we want to wish Evelyn all the best in retirement, and extend our gratitude for her many years of service, dedication & commitment to the improvement of pediatric care. For more information on Illinois’ EMSC Program, visit their website here.