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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
FOR CHILDREN
The American Psychological Association (APA) regards the services provided through the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program, sponsored jointly by the Departments of Health and Human Services and Transportation, as crucial for an effective response to children facing disasters, traumatic injuries, or other emergencies. We recommend that the Congress increase funding for this program to $18 million for FY 2000.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The need for children's emergency services. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes, as well as acts of violence, such as the tragic shootings in public schools last year, can all create the need for an immediate medical response. Following the example of established emergency response experts, such as the Red Cross, we know that an emergency response must take into account both the physical and emotional needs of a child facing a crisis.
History of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program. EMSC was established in 1984 to expand and improve services for children needing treatment for trauma or critical care. Funds are dispersed through grants to states or schools of medicine. EMSC is administered jointly by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), in the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the Department of Transportation. EMSC funding for FY99 is $15 million.
Purpose of the EMSC program. The EMSC program is designed to ensure state-of-the-art emergency medical care for ill or injured children and adolescents. EMSC covers the entire spectrum of emergency services, including primary prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation. This program builds on services provided through the adult-focused Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
SERVICES FUNDED BY EMSC
Basic grants. The majority of grants are allocated to states to improve ways in which children receive emergency services. Grants are also given to enhance knowledge about pediatric emergency medicine and to develop specialized materials. Key areas of focus include training for emergency personnel and the dissemination of information about best practices.
The Partnership for Children initiative. In FY 96, EMSC created the Partnership for Children initiative. Through collaboration with professional organizations, this initiative has already produced reports on pediatric emergency care and training for pediatric residents, guidelines for responding to suicide attempts by teens, and a report on preventing violence in emergency medical care settings.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Increase appropriations for EMSC to at least $18 million in FY 2000, while maintaining the program as a distinct program.
Continue the strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, especially in work on preventing violence in emergency care settings.
Insure that the objectives formulated for the program address the mental health needs of children who experience traumatic injuries, disasters, and other emergencies.
SUGGESTED REPORT LANGUAGE
The Committee commends the Emergency Medical Services for Children program for its work in improving medical care for children. The Committee especially wants to recognize the work of the Partnership for Children initiative, which has provided useful training and information to pediatric emergency care personnel. The Committee recommends increased funding for this important initiative.
2/99
Daniel Dodgen, Ph.D.
Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone 202-336-6068
FAX 202 336-6063
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