It’s National EMS Week and Phoenix Children’s Hospital would like to recognize the commitment of EMTs, paramedics, ambulance services, and other first responders for the positive impact they have on the survival of critically ill and injured children every day. Thank you, EMS providers!
Our community relies on our first responders to be prepared to help regardless of the situation, and as a pediatric emergency medicine physician, as well as the EMS Medical Director at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I can personally attest to how dedicated our local EMS professionals are to providing high-quality emergency care to children.
Acts of kindness
It is estimated only 10% of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls involve children and only a fraction of those are true life-threatening emergencies. Each emergency situation is a different circumstance, and pediatric patients often present a unique set of challenges. Yet, regardless of the complexity of the medical or social situation, when an ambulance arrives to our emergency department, I usually meet a child smiling and holding the hand of a firefighter for comfort. It’s not uncommon for a medically stable child to arrive in a firefighter hat or covered in honorary badge stickers—small acts of kindness that go a long way in the eyes of a child and their families.
EMS and COVID-19
EMS professionals have truly been on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for some of the sickest COVID-19 patients while continuing to respond to all other medical emergencies. EMS Week is a chance to express our gratitude for the critical role and tireless dedication EMS plays in our community during this unprecedented time.
As the only children’s hospital certified by the Arizona Department of Health Services as an ALS Base Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Hospital is responsible for providing pediatric-specific training for pre-hospital providers responsible for the transport of pediatric patients. EMS providers continue to adapt to the ever-changing environment.