Community Partnerships in Pediatric Office Emergency Preparedness

The primary care pediatrician (PCP) and emergency medical service providers have complementary roles when providing emergency medical services for children (EMSC). The pediatrician, as the child’s medical home, serves as an educator, triage officer, emergency care provider, consultant, advocate for children, and participant in disaster management. EMS providers utilize a tiered response when responding to emergencies based on their technical capabilities. By understanding each other’s roles, both can work together to improve the chain of survival of sick and injured children.