Arizona EMS, fire agencies will get more training to improve emergency care for kids

As part of a federal initiative, the state health department is launching a program to provide extra support to EMS and fire agencies for more effective care of kids in emergencies.

Abriana Smith manages the state’s Emergency Medical Services for Children Program.

“The Making Arizona Ready for Kids Program not only benefits the EMS agency,” said Smith, “but also benefits the community as it builds that relationship to make sure that families feel comfortable speaking about what their children need in times of emergency.”

While other states have launched similar programs, she said, this one is the first of its kind in Arizona.

Smith said that in an emergency, it’s crucial to recognize that they aren’t small adults.

“What we aim to do in this program is provide comprehensive pediatric training for emergency personnel, such as equipping them with specialized resources for any equipment that may be beneficial to them,” said Smith. “As well as age appropriate medical supplies, pediatric dosing references for medication, and anything that could really be beneficial.”

She said that while agencies already handle this kind of care, the goal is to provide an extra boost while they’re in a solid position — and bolster relationships with the communities they work in.

“We look forward to partnering with as many agencies that would be interested," Smith said, adding that they’ve already received a lot of interest from agencies for applications, which close Friday.