EMSC

Utah Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program

The Utah Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program

The Utah Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program is a federally supported, state-administered initiative dedicated to improving emergency care for infants, children, and adolescents across Utah. The program ensures that pediatric patients receive timely, high-quality, and developmentally appropriate emergency medical care within Utah’s EMS, trauma, and hospital systems.

The Utah EMSC Program is housed under the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) – Department of Public Safety (DPS). The program is funded in part through the federal EMSC State Partnership grant administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Mission

To reduce pediatric morbidity and mortality by strengthening Utah’s emergency care system and ensuring children are appropriately assessed, treated, stabilized, and transported by well-trained providers in properly equipped systems.

Core Focus Areas

1. Pediatric Readiness

Promotes pediatric readiness in EMS agencies and emergency departments.
Supports designation and recognition efforts that ensure facilities are equipped, staffed, and prepared to care for children.

2. Education & Training

Provides pediatric-focused education for EMS and hospital providers.
Supports courses such as Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC).
Collaborates with clinical partners to deliver ongoing pediatric continuing education opportunities.

3. Quality Improvement (QI)

Encourages EMS agencies and hospitals to implement pediatric-focused performance improvement processes.
Supports data-driven initiatives to evaluate outcomes and identify system gaps.

4. Equipment & Resource Optimization

Promotes access to appropriate pediatric equipment in ambulances and emergency departments.
Supports initiatives to enhance specialty transport capabilities for neonatal and pediatric patients.

5. Partnerships & Collaboration

Works closely with trauma centers, pediatric specialty hospitals, EMS agencies, emergency departments, and state/national stakeholders.
Partners with the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network (UPTN) to strengthen pediatric trauma coordination, education, and system integration.
Collaborates with the Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) to enhance pediatric disaster preparedness, response coordination, and surge capacity planning.
Engages advisory committees and pediatric champions statewide to advance pediatric emergency care initiatives.

Program Impact

Improves provider confidence and competency in managing pediatric emergencies.
Strengthens statewide system coordination for pediatric trauma and medical emergencies.
Enhances preparedness for disaster and public health emergencies involving children.
Promotes equitable access to high-quality emergency care for all Utah children.

Commitment to Utah’s Children

Utah’s EMSC Program recognizes that children are not simply small adults. Their unique anatomical, physiological, and developmental needs require specialized training, equipment, and coordinated systems of care. Through leadership, education, and system development, the program ensures that Utah’s emergency care system is prepared every day to meet the needs of its youngest patients.

Pediatric Emergency and Trauma Outreach Series (PETOS)

Primary Children’s Hospital, Emergency Medical Services for Children, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the University of Utah have partnered to offer free Pediatric Emergency and Trauma Outreach Series (PETOS) to EMS providers.

The lectures are held on the 2nd Monday of each month from 2:00pm to 3:00pm and are presented by physicians from Primary Children’s Hospital. For more information, please visit the

John Wilson Autism Awareness Program

A specialized education initiative designed to equip emergency medical services (EMS) personnel with the knowledge, skills, and sensory tools to treat pediatric patients on the autism spectrum effectively. This program provides training in recognizing common behaviors and characteristics associated with autism, de-escalation strategies, and sensory sensitivities. To schedule a course for your EMS agency, contact Jeffery Wilson. jeffwilson122615@gmail.com

Emergency Pediatric Care – NAEMT Course

The NAEMT Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC) course is designed to equip healthcare providers with essential skills and knowledge to effectively manage pediatric emergencies. Participants learn advanced techniques in pediatric assessment, including specialized approaches for pediatric airway management, vascular access, and trauma care. The course emphasizes a systematic approach to pediatric assessment, integrating critical thinking and decision-making skills tailored to the unique needs of children in emergency situations. Through interactive simulations and case studies, healthcare providers gain confidence in handling a wide range of pediatric emergencies, ensuring timely and effective care to improve outcomes for pediatric patients in both prehospital and hospital settings. To schedule a course for your agency or area, contact Jared Wright at jaredwright@utah.gov (801) 230 – 4721.

EMSC Resources

Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Utah Department of Public Safety