Washington's Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program supports the systems approach to children's emergency medical care. We've developed teaching tools and programs to improve the care that acutely ill and injured children and adolescents receive. This affects care before they get to the hospital, in emergency departments and in intensive care units across our state. The program is a significant funding source for these educational activities and at times for pediatric equipment. It's a catalyst for change and a strong proponent of children's acute healthcare. It brings together many agencies and organizations committed to improving the care of children.
Contact the Emergency Medical Services for Children program manager, at 360-236-2816 with any questions.
Washington State Pediatric Resource Hospitals
- Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medicine, Seattle. The state's only Level I Pediatric Trauma Care Center and also the region's only burn center for children. It's a major referral center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Harborview is a teaching hospital, associated with the University of Washington, and is a significant resource for clinical information and support.
- Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Tacoma. Designated a Level II Pediatric Trauma Care Center by the Department of Health. Mary Bridge pediatric specialists serve south Puget Sound.
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle. Affiliated with the University of Washington and is a significant resource for clinical information and support. The hospital serves patients from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho and is designated a Level I Pediatric Trauma Rehabilitation Center by the Department of Health.
- Providence Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, Spokane. Designated a Level II Pediatric Trauma Care Service. The hospital's pediatric specialists provide the highest designated level of pediatric trauma care in Eastern Washington.
Contact the Emergency Medical Services for Children program manager, at 360-236-2816 for a resource document listing hospitals, pediatric designation and contact phone numbers is available.
Other Resources
- Pediatric Interfacility Transfer Guidelines (Revised 2022) – These guidelines can be used to help transfer pediatric patients between facilities safely.
- Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) – This site provides information on the Washington State return to play law also known as the Zack Lystedt law.
- Children in Disasters Guidance (PDF) – This is a Department of Homeland Security publication that provides resources to incorporate children into the planning and purchase of emergency and disaster equipment and supplies; provide training to a broad range of child-specific providers, agencies and entities; and emergency preparedness and response operations and activities.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Works to create the expertise, information and tools that people and communities need to protect their health through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.
- momsTEAM: The Trusted Source for Sports Parents – Non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of sports-related concussions primarily in children. The website provides information for athletes, parents, schools and coaches.
- Crisis Standards of Care – The Institute of Medicine report providing framework and tools to deliver healthcare effectively during catastrophic emergencies.
- Prevention Issues