RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Pediatric Readiness in Emergency Medical Services Systems JF Pediatrics JO Pediatrics FD American Academy of Pediatrics SP e20193308 DO 10.1542/peds.2019-3308 VO 145 IS 1 A1 Owusu-Ansah, Sylvia A1 Moore, Brian A1 Shah, Manish I. A1 Gross, Toni A1 Brown, Kathleen A1 Gausche-Hill, Marianne A1 Remick, Katherine A1 Adelgais, Kathleen A1 Rappaport, Lara A1 Snow, Sally A1 Wright-Johnson, Cynthia A1 Leonard, Julie C. A1 Lyng, John A1 Fallat, Mary A1 , A1 , YR 2020 UL http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/145/1/e20193308.abstract AB Ill and injured children have unique needs that can be magnified when the child’s ailment is serious or life-threatening. This is especially true in the out-of-hospital environment. Providing high-quality out-of-hospital care to children requires an emergency medical services (EMS) system infrastructure designed to support the care of pediatric patients. As in the emergency department setting, it is important that all EMS agencies have the appropriate resources, including physician oversight, trained and competent staff, education, policies, medications, equipment, and supplies, to provide effective emergency care for children. Resource availability across EMS agencies is variable, making it essential that EMS medical directors, administrators, and personnel collaborate with outpatient and hospital-based pediatric experts, especially those in emergency departments, to optimize prehospital emergency care for children. The principles in the policy statement “Pediatric Readiness in Emergency Medical Services Systems” and this accompanying technical report establish a foundation on which to build optimal pediatric care within EMS systems and serve as a resource for clinical and administrative EMS leaders.