Why every emergency department and prehospital agency needs a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator

Why are Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators so important?
When a child experiences a medical emergency, every second counts. Children have unique physiological needs and require specialized care. That’s where Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECCs) come in. PECCS play a crucial role in ensuring that emergency departments (EDs) and prehospital agencies are fully prepared to handle pediatric patients.

A PECC is a health care professional who serves as a champion for pediatric readiness within their organization. PECC roles can vary based on setting and organizational needs. Overall, PECCs advocate for pediatric patients and ensure their organizations have the necessary resources and protocols in place to meet their unique needs. As the EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC) states, “a PECC is one of the strongest drivers of improved pediatric outcomes.”  In EDs, having both a physician and nurse PECC will increase your pediatric readiness score 19 points (out of 100).

The role of a PECC
The role of PECCs, as outlined by the EIIC, can vary depending on setting and available resources.

Generally:

• In EDs, both a nurse and physician (or advanced practice provider) PECC are recommended. In EMS agencies, only one PECC is recommended.
• In settings with limited resources, a single PECC may serve multiple systems, or responsibilities of the PECC may be shared by multiple individuals.
• Ideally, PECCs should have protected time, a specific job description, recognition and support from their administration.
• The individual(s) do not need to be solely dedicated to the PECC role. The role can be part of existing duties.
• The individual(s) do not necessarily need pediatric-specific expertise or background.

For PECCs in Wisconsin, connecting with the Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services for Children (WI EMSC) program is essential. WI EMSC provides valuable resources and support, including quarterly education opportunities designed to enhance knowledge and skills.

Connect with us
If you are a PECC in Wisconsin and haven’t already, connect with WI EMSC by submitting a form below:

By working together, we can ensure that every child in Wisconsin receives the best possible care when they need it most. The presence of a dedicated and supported PECC in every ED and prehospital agency is a critical step towards achieving this goal.

For more information, visit our Resources for PECCS webpage or email EMSC Program Leader, Carissa Brunner, MPH, CLC at cbrunner@childrenswi.org.