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Example Practices: Model Programs in Coalition Building
Wisconsin EMSC: Pediatric Equipment for Ambulances. For more than 10 years, Wisconsin EMSC has collaborated successfully with its state chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), the world’s oldest and largest volunteer organization for women. Its most recent collaboration focused on EMSC Performance Measure #66b, which addresses the percentage of basic life support and advanced life support patient care units in the State/Territory that have the essential pediatric equipment and supplies.
On behalf of EMSC in Wisconsin, GFWC works to fund pediatric “jump kit” bags—specialized bags that put critical pediatric emergency supplies in one place—for Wisconsin’s 1,200 ambulances. Since its inception, the jump kit bags have supported 155 of Wisconsin’s 446 EMS departments (34%) – representing more than $100,000 in donations to date. Recently, the local chapter of Kiwanis International pledged its support to the Pediatric Jump Kit for Ambulances Special Project.
Illinois EMSC: Facility Recognition (not a U.S. government website). In 1995, the Illinois EMSC project convened its first task force to consider development of a facility recognition program. Broad-based support for the program came initially from the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians, the Illinois Council of the Emergency Nurses Association, the Illinois Hospital Association, and the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, among other organizations.
Representation from these organizations has been and remains, today, an integral part of the process. The program was created with input from a diverse EMSC work group with an overall goal “to decrease childhood morbidity and mortality by ensuring the availability of appropriately trained personnel, along with appropriate emergency department resources and capabilities in order to effectively manage the critically ill and injured child.”
In 1998, the program was piloted and a year later statewide implementation began. Illinois’ facility recognition program addresses EMSC Performance Measure #66c, which requires the existence of a statewide, territorial, or regional standardized system that recognizes hospitals that are able to stabilize and/or manage pediatric emergencies. By garnering widespread “buy-in” for the program early on, the EMSC project was able to develop and implement its program and remain optimistic that it would be well received by those upon whom it had the most immediate impact. This collaborative approach proved essential to ensuring successful implementation of the program.
Florida EMSC: Advisory Committee (not a U.S. government website). Florida’s EMSC project has a long history of support from a wide range of individuals and groups. Over the years, the project benefited from its collaborative efforts with other state agencies and organizations, including the Florida College of Emergency Physicians, Children’s Medical Services, Florida Pediatric Society, Florida Hospital Association, Florida Committee on Trauma, and many more. These partners committed themselves to making Florida a model EMSC state.
To meet that end, the Florida EMSC project and its greater coalition recognized the importance of establishing EMSC permanently in Florida. In working to achieve an “institutionalized” EMSC program within the state, the coalition also met the EMSC National Performance Measure requiring establishment of an EMSC Advisory Committee within the State/Territory.
Through the efforts of the coalition, Florida now has a legislatively mandated EMSC Advisory Committee and in-kind support from the Bureau of EMS by way of a permanent EMSC coordinator, a program specialist, and other administrative personnel, as well as the secondary benefits of greater integration within the EMS system through changes in committee structure, reporting procedures, and improved communication. In addition, the coalition is working to address a second EMSC National Performance Measure that requires the adoption of requirements by the State/Territory for pediatric emergency education for the recertification of paramedics by working with the EMS Advisory Council Education and Legislative Committees to draft language that would require a minimum of two pediatric continuing education hours for recertification.
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