CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has established a statewide Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program after meeting national performance criteria set by the Health Resources & Services Administration for Emergency Medical Services for Children.
The Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services says the new program is designed to ensure EMS agencies are trained, equipped, and prepared to treat children in emergency situations. The recognition requires agencies to designate a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator, maintain a disaster plan that addresses pediatric needs, and have at least one formally recognized EMS agency participating.
Health Secretary Dr. Arvin Singh said the initiative strengthens care for the state’s most vulnerable population, calling it part of broader efforts to transform healthcare delivery across West Virginia. EMS for Children Coordinator Erin Timbrook emphasized that pediatric readiness depends on collaboration among EMS, healthcare providers, families, schools, and community partners.
West Virginia already operates a Hospital Pediatric Readiness Program and now becomes the eighth state in the nation to have both hospital and prehospital pediatric readiness programs in place.
