Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find information about the program?
Program description and documents can be found online by going to https://paemsc.org/ and selecting “Partners in Pediatrics” and then “Prehospital Readiness”
How does my EMS agency apply to become recognized?
Any licensed Pennsylvania EMS agency can begin their P4P EMS application by submitting a completed Intent to Apply document. Agencies should download the Program Handbook and review program requirements prior to submitting their Intent to Apply.
Is there a cost to the P4P EMS program?
There is no cost to apply to the program. However, depending on an agency’s current readiness to care for children, there may be specific costs necessary to implement requirements in order to be recognized at one of the three levels.
My EMS agency is not a 911 service, can we apply?
Yes. There is no stipulation that only 911 agencies apply. The specific requirement(s) that reference 911 activity only applies if the agency is a 911 service provider.
Does our EMS agency need to submit electronic patient care reports if we do not respond to 911 calls?
Licensed EMS agencies are required to submit electronic Patient Care Reports (PCR’s) based on the requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations. QRS services were previously granted an exemption to this requirement after the current Act and Rules and Regulations were published. The Prepared for Pediatrics – EMS recognition program requires all licensed EMS agencies who respond to 911 incidents to submit electronic Patient Care Reports. If your EMS agency is licensed at the QRS level and responds to 911 dispatched incidents, the Prepared for Pediatrics – EMS recognition program requires you to be compliant with submitting electronic Patient Care Records. For reference here, 911 calls originate through a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). This requirement is independent of any BEMS regulatory requirements. Agencies should direct questions on how to become compliant with NEMSIS patient care record reporting to your Regional EMS office for further guidance.
Our EMS agency is not sure what level of recognition to apply to, how do we decide?
Recognition level determination is an agency and leadership decision. There is no requirement to be Gold versus Silver or Bronze. Agencies should apply for a recognition level that they are comfortable in meeting and maintaining the specific level requirements.
My EMS agency is presently recognized by the legacy Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program. Do we have to transition immediately, or do we have a specific time frame to change over?
In order to maintain Pediatric Recognition, EMS agencies recognized under the legacy Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program (PVRP) are not required to transition to the new Prepared for Pediatrics EMS program until one year after the new program Go Live date of July 1, 2025. After July 1, 2026, transition will follow agency EMS Licensure expiration. These agencies who want to participate in the Prepared for Pediatrics EMS program may do so at any time prior to their licensure expiration by submitting an Intent to Apply as prescribed in the Prepared for Pediatrics EMS handbook. New P4P EMS applications require at least one year of compliance across all requirements for the application recognition level. Safe Transport internal education required to be completed over a two-year period should show 50% compliance of all rostered EMS providers. All annual requirements of the upgrade level must be completed in the year preceding the application date. These time frames will ease the transition for participants of the legacy program.
Example 1, an EMS agency’s licensure expiration is December 31, 2025. This is within the first year after Go Live and therefore the agency will not need to transition to the new Prepared for Pediatrics EMS program will not be required until the next EMS Agency Licensure date, typically on a three-year cycle. Example 2, an EMS agency’s licensure expires September 30, 2026. The agency must apply following the New Application process and be successfully recognized by the Prepared for Pediatrics EMS program prior to their EMS Agency Licensure expiration date of September 30, 2026.
Does every vehicle have to carry all the equipment listed in the Equipment, Medications, and Supplies document?
Additional equipment to be carried.
Our EMS agency participates in a specific Pediatric related education; how can we get the program approved for the P4P EMS program?
The CPST requirement allows for agencies to have an agreement (written) with a CPST or an organization who provides a CPST to fulfill this requirement and the supplemental Public Car Seat Safety check event activities.
My EMS agency does not have a Child Passenger Safety Technician on staff, how can we be compliant with the requirement?
Notification of loss of licensure should be made to EMSC@PEHSC.org.
My EMS agency has replaced or added vehicles. How can I obtain additional decals?
An agency that needs additional or replacement decals can request them via the form located in the documents section of PAEMSC.org.