Emergency Medical Services for Children

Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children

The purpose of the Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) State Partnership Program and PEDReady is to expand and improve emergency medical services for ill and injured children across the continuum of care. Florida EMSC partners with emergency departments, EMS agencies, disaster preparedness organizations, state organizations, and families to enhance pediatric readiness across the state.

The program is a collaboration between Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight (BEMO), University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, Florida EMSC Advisory Committee, Florida EMS Advisory Council, council committees and constituency groups, and Florida EMSC Family Advisory Network.

Florida’s EMSC program is administered by the Division of Emergency Medicine Research at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, PEDReady@jax.ufl.edu.

The EMSC Program is partially supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a state EMSC partnership program award. The contents of this webpage do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. government.

Florida EMSC Advisory Committee

The Florida EMSC Advisory Committee (EMSCAC) was established in section 401.245(5), Florida Statutes, to advise the Florida DOH on matters concerning preventative, pre-hospital, hospital, rehabilitative, and other post medical care for children.

The EMSCAC meets quarterly in conjunction with the Florida EMSAC and constituency group meetings. The EMSCAC includes appointed members, liaisons, and family representatives. 

Florida EMSC is seeking interested individuals to fill 2-year terms as members of the advisory committee with specific clinical area of focus. The State Surgeon General appoints the members to serve on this committee with members eligible to serve up to two terms.

The Florida Department of Health is currently accepting nominations for the following positions on the EMSC Advisory Committee:

• Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic
• Emergency Physician
• Family Advisory Network Representative
• Nurse with Emergency Pediatric Experience
• Physician with Pediatric Experience

Interested persons with the above backgrounds should complete the Florida Department of Health Appointment Questionnaire andemail it to the Department along with your résumé, no later than September 20, 2024.

National Pediatric Readiness Project

The National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) aims to empower emergency departments to improve their ability to provide high-quality care for children.

The NPRP is led by the EMSC Program, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Emergency Nurses Association.

An assessment, checklist, and toolkit are available on the Florida EMSC website.

National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project

The National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project works to improve prehospital care for acutely ill and injured children.

The PPRP is led by the federal EMSC Program along with more than 30 national organizations and stakeholders.

An assessment, checklist, and toolkit are availableon the Florida EMSC website.

National EMSC Programs

• EMSC Improvement and Innovation Center
• Pediatric Pandemic Network

Resources

• Communication Cards - available in English/Spanish and English/Haitian Creole
• Modified JumpSTART and START Badge Buddy
• Pediatric Pain and Fever Dosing Guide
• Pediatric Emergency ABCs and More
• Emergency Guidelines for Schools - 2019 Florida Edition

To request Florida EMSC educational materials or to add your name as an EMS or ED pediatric emergency care coordinator/champion (PECC), email PEDReady@jax.ufl.edu.

Florida EMSC Updates

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