Emergency medical services for children: the New Jersey model
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Published on: April 7, 2023
Alfred Sacchetti1, Nancy Kelly-Goodstein, Robert Sweeney
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ 08103, USA. sacchettia@lourdesnet.org
Insights
New Jersey requires all emergency departments (EDs) to meet pediatric care standards, improving access and stabilization for children. This universal approach enhances emergency medical services for children across the state.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Health Policy
- Emergency Medical Services Systems
Background:
- Traditional Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) systems identify specialized pediatric-ready emergency departments (EDs).
- These designated Emergency Departments Approved for Pediatrics (EDAPs) are preferred for pediatric emergency care referrals.
- This model can create access barriers and delays in care for critically ill or injured children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine an alternative model implemented in New Jersey for pediatric emergency care.
- To assess the impact of requiring all EDs to meet pediatric care standards.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a statewide regulatory approach in New Jersey.
- Comparison of outcomes under a universal ED pediatric readiness model versus traditional EDAP designation.
Main Results:
- The New Jersey model mandates all EDs meet pediatric care standards.
- This regulatory approach ensures more accessible emergency care for children statewide.
- Children experience more rapid stabilization regardless of transport method.
Conclusions:
- A universal approach to pediatric readiness in all EDs improves care accessibility and timeliness.
- Statewide regulatory mandates can effectively enhance emergency medical services for children.
- This model offers a scalable solution for improving pediatric emergency care outcomes.
Abstract:
Identification of specific facilities within a community for the emergency department (ED) treatment of children is a traditional component of Emergency Medical Services for Children systems. In such models, these Emergency Departments Approved for Pediatrics are the preferred EDs to receive patients from Emergency Medical Services providers. This article examines an alternative model developed in New Jersey in which every ED in the state is required by regulation to meet the standards of a traditional Emergency Departments Approved for Pediatrics. The New Jersey model leads to more accessible care and more rapid stabilization of children regardless of their mode of delivery to the ED.
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