The Connecticut Always Ready for Children (ARC) Recognition Program

The Connecticut EMS-C program has developed standards and recognition for your efforts in improving pediatric readiness in the Emergency Department.  Recognition in collaboration with the New England Regional States. The program is 100% voluntary and free. Participation will help demonstrate your institution's commitment to being always ready for children.

Program Requirements

Completed Application & Commitment Letter

Completion of a Site verification visit

Apply Here

Currently under development

Pediatric Ready - Standard Level

Pediatric Ready - Advanced Level

What is the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP)?

• 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 and resources to address gaps.
  • ENA-Infographic-ED-Readiness-For-Children

Why is it important to participate?

• The NPRP assessment helps ED personnel to become better prepared to provide quality care for all patients of all ages. Hospitals with high ED readiness scores (>87%) demonstrate a 76% lower mortality rate in ill children and a 60% lower mortality rate in injured children than those with lower readiness scores; thus, improving pediatric readiness improves children's and their families' outcomes.

The National Pediatric Readiness Project for Emergency Departments

The EMS for Children program regularly surveys Hospital Emergency Departments on their individual efforts around pediatric readiness.  This is done through the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP).  The information obtained is shared in aggregate form to help give perspective on Connecticut's efforts compared to national metrics.

https://pedsready.org/

Survey results are found below:

• 2021
  • National 2021 Results
  • Connecticut 2021 Results
    • Although the survey period has ended, the 2021 Assessment can still be completed at the PedsReady website.  Select your hospital's state, county, and name to begin the survey.  Hospitals can complete this survey as often as desired based on changes and improvements in the hospital for an updated score.
• 2018
  • National 2018 Results
  • Connecticut 2018 Results

What is the National Pre-Hospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP)?

• The National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP) is the leading joint initiative to improve prehospital care for acutely ill and injured children across the United States. The PPRP is led by the federal Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program with support from more than 30 national organizations, federal partners, and experts. The PPRP empowers EMS and fire-rescue agencies to become "Pediatric Ready" or prepared to provide high-quality care for children in accordance with national recommendations.

Why is it important to participate?

• The PPRP assessment is gathering information to help improve pre-hospital readiness. The program launched its first assessment in 2024.

The Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project for Prehospital Providers

The EMS for Children program began surveying pre-hospital agencies regarding their efforts to improve pediatric readiness.  Before 2024, EMSC had regularly surveyed agencies yearly using an EMS survey. As of 2024, this is done through the Pre-hospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP). The information obtained is shared in aggregate form to help give perspective on Connecticut's efforts compared to national metrics.

https://emspedsready.org/

Survey results are found below:

• 2024 - Awaiting results