Emergency medical services for children and pediatric trauma system components

The concept of an emergency medical service for children (EMS-C) is new. Although adult EMS systems exist in every region of the United States, the needs of the child suffering from acute injury or illness have not been previously addressed. The development and incorporation of an EMS-C system into the existing adult EMS system is the most time- and cost-effective method to achieve efficient care for the acutely injured or ill child. The components of an EMS-C system include system design, education, prevention, standards of care, research and development, quality assurance, and funding.