Kathleen Adelgais, MD, MPH, highlights ways to strengthen EMS pediatric readiness

Kathleen Adelgais, MD, MPH, professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, recently discussed the findings of a comprehensive study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine as part of the National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project.

This landmark assessment, which surveyed nearly 7,000 emergency medical services (EMS) agencies across the United States, identified critical gaps in out-of-hospital care while highlighting the transformative impact of pediatric emergency care coordinators (PECCs). Despite the specialized medical needs of children, who require specific equipment, precise medication dosing, and tailored communication, the study revealed a median pediatric readiness score of 65.5 out of 100, indicating only moderate readiness nationwide.

A central theme of Adelgais’s discussion is the deficiency in family-centered care, quality improvement, and performance tracking within EMS agencies. The lowest scores in the national assessment were consistently found in these areas, largely because 75% of agencies respond to fewer than 8 pediatric patients per month.

This low volume makes it difficult for providers to maintain specialized skills and systems centered on children. However, the presence of a PECC serves as a vital solution to these challenges. Agencies with a designated PECC showed significantly greater readiness, including a 5-fold increase in the odds of excelling in quality improvement and coordination with broader health systems.

Adelgais emphasized that PECCs are essential for ensuring that pediatric-specific needs are integrated into baseline protocols and training. By advocating for expanding the PECC role, investigators aim to bridge the current gap, where only 38% of agencies have such a leader. These coordinators are instrumental in improving family-centered policies and ensuring that disaster preparedness accounts for the unique requirements of younger patients.

Ultimately, the data suggest that dedicated leadership within an EMS agency leads to safer care and fewer medication errors. Adelgais concluded that because emergencies involving children require immediate and specialized responses, increasing pediatric readiness through PECC integration and improved quality measurement is a primary target for enhancing patient outcomes before they even reach the hospital.

This video is part 1 of a 2-part series. Check back Sunday for part 2.

No relevant disclosures.

References

1. First national report finds strengths, gaps in emergency care for children before they reach the hospital. News release. University of Colorado Anschutz. February 26, 2026. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1117946
2. Adelgais KM, Remick KE, Hewes HA, et al. The National Pediatric Prehospital Readiness Project: first comprehensive assessment of United States emergency medical services agencies. Ann Emerg Med. Published online February 20, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2026.01.013