When sending children to school, the topic of safety is always a priority. When a medical emergency arises, especially for children and youth with special health care needs, immediate and age-appropriate care is necessary for a successful outcome.
The Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services for Children (WI EMSC) is one of six health initiatives at Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin and aims to ensure all children in Wisconsin receive the best emergency care. Education and sharing pediatric emergency care resources are some primary strategies to ensure preparednessTo bridge connections between schools and local emergency medical service (EMS) agencies, WI EMSC developed a pilot program with the help of Tabbi Vande Voort of Oconto EMS.
The pilot connects EMS and schools by helping prepare both organizations in the case of an emergency that involves students. Because children are anatomically and physiologically different from adults, providing effective emergency care requires EMS agencies to use specialized equipment and participate in training.
In 2021, the pilot has been implemented with the Clear Lake EMS and the Clayton School District and plans are being made to expand to additional schools and EMS agencies in Wisconsin. Learn from a school nurse and EMS provider participating in the pilot on our website.