Emergency Medical Services for Children Day

Many communities in the United States participate in raising awareness of the need for specialized emergency care for children on Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day.

Emergency Medical Services for Children Day’s history

The first National Emergency Medical Services Week was proclaimed by President Gerald Ford on November 3-10, 1974, with the Wednesday of that week being the first EMSC Day. It was only in 2007 that this month was changed to May. The aim is to highlight the need for specialized and high-quality emergency medical care for children, while focusing on the challenges healthcare workers may face. EMSC Day also aims to raise awareness of the need for such services and trained professionals. These services extend to children who may be in an “acute care setting” or require hospitalization, and even psychological/mental health needs.

It started when the wars between Korea and Vietnam made people think about how much greater the chances of survival of the wounded were with the aid of the spot being taken first. Thus, in the 1960s, the medical community began to realize the necessity of developing an appropriate system for emergency medical services (EMS). After Congress passed the Emergency Medical Services System Act of 1973, it was observed that many adult patients had improved outcomes, but not children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been specifically asked to develop a program that can help support children and meet their unique needs. After federal funding was in the form of grants to all states, a children's EMS system born, designed to help children and young people receive appropriate care in schools and medical emergency.

Every year, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) partners with organizations like the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) to announce the date and theme for EMS Week.

Why EMSC Day?

Children's Emergency Medical Services Day is commemorated to promote the medical services available to children in an emergency along with the importance and need of medical services. One survey has estimated that nearly 50 percent of deaths are being avoided each year because of emergency medical services in the country. It includes both Psychological and Physical factors. We need such emergency medical service centers across the country to further improve the avoidance rate of those cases.

A number of Schools, Health Related Organizations, Medical Centers and Health Workers are involved in raising awareness among parents about Child Welfare. Children with prolonged illness, sudden colds and flu... need to be given appropriate medicine. Therefore, this day is considered to promote the need for emergency medical services for children.

Some interesting truths about Emergency Medical Services for Children Day

• Emergency Medical Services Week presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians commonly known as ACEP in collaboration with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and announced by president Gerald Ford in 1974 from 3-10 November.
• Then in 2007 it was celebrated in the Third Week of May. Each Year includes different themes while the theme of 2017 is “Always Serve”. Notable themes are “Your Life is Our Mission”, “Everywhere, Anywhere, We Will Be There”, “EMS: One Mission, One Team” are intended one after other years 2008, 2010, 2013.
• The main motto of Emergency Medical Services for Children Day is to spread the need for Emergency Medical Services. Various NGOs along with several federal agencies are involved in promoting the events. Organizations such as ACEP, NAEMT offer staff and financial assistance free of charge on this day to mark a severe need for medical services during an emergency.
• In spite of the comical appearance of the “Benny the Bearamedic” logo, it was designed to signify the needs of the Emergency Medical Services. This logo has a huge impact on raising public awareness of this day. Furthermore, this logo is often used in t-shirts, brochures and other items with promotional connotations.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Association of Emergency Nurses have made many efforts related to the improvement of emergency medical services. A number of TV shows, events and health related websites are organized to promote the need for emergency medical services for the younger generation. Furthermore, the EMSC national resource center plays an important role in awareness programs.

Why the day plays an important role

• It raises awareness

Many communities in the United States are beginning to recognize the need to engage in raising awareness of the need for specialized emergency care for children. They do that through outreach, online petitions and advocacy, media channels, and organizing events like fundraisers. It's easier than ever to be part of the movement thanks to the internet.

• It shows appreciation

EMSC Day is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the healthcare workers who reach children during emergencies. We can honor them by sharing an EMS awareness statement with the authorities. Many such templates are available online.

• It helps meet medical goals

The ultimate goal of EMSC Day is to ensure that all emergency departments and medical providers are adequately prepared to take care of children's medical needs, both in and out of the hospital. The National Pediatrics Ready (Peds Ready) project is a quality improvement initiative aimed at achieving this goal.

Celebrating Emergency Medical Services for Children Day

• Spread awareness

Visit the official EMSC website and see the resources on offer. Attract curious people by wearing a 'Benny the Bearamedic' t-shirt and posting your selfies on social media. You can use the hashtag #EMSDayForChildren to spread awareness about the need for EMS to children.

• Participate in community events

Many local schools and health-related organizations joined forces to raise awareness of the urgent medical care needs of children. You can join a group like this or lead an advertising campaign of your own. Make it creative and fun, the same way you do to attract children's attention.

• Take federal advocacy action

You can help urge your regulators to support the EMSC Program by visiting the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website and clicking "Full Funding for the Emergency Medical Services Program" in the Advocacy Action Center.