Resources
Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect
Introduced in 2004, Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Education for Emergency Medical Service Providers (SCAN EMS) is targeted to nearly 55,000 EMT’s, paramedics and pre-hospital registered nurses in Pennsylvania. This is a three hour continuing education program presented by an EMT Instructor, Emergency Department Nurse/Physician and local Children and Youth worker. SCAN-EMS is an interactive, hands-on educational experience that has been well received by the EMS community. SCAN-EMS emphasizes the importance of scene assessment, documentation and teamwork in the recognition and reporting of suspected child abuse.
For more information, or to schedule this FREE workshop in your agency contact: Teresa Olsen @ tolsen@paaap.org or request online at www.pascan.org.
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
The Mission of ChildLine is to accept calls from the public and professional sources 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Cultural sensitivity and courteous demeanor will be displayed at all times to all callers. ChildLine will provide information, counseling, and referral services for families and children to ensure the safety and well being of the children of Pennsylvania.
All Pennsylvania EMS providers are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect; however, anyone can make a report of suspected child abuse. Suspected abuse or neglect can be reported in one of two ways:
1. By contacting the Department of Human Services (formerly Department of Public Welfare) by calling ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. When you call, you will speak to a trained intake specialist who will interview you and guide you through the reporting process. In addition to calling ChildLine, a reporter must also fill out the CY 47 form within 48 hours of the report and submit it to the county Children and Youth Agency.
2. By making a report online using the following link:
https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS
NEW: Download the Guide for Medical Providers on Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and/or Neglect from the PA EMSC and the PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.
Background Check / Clearance Information
As of July 28, 2015: Per a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS, working in coordination with the Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania EMS Providers, unless they meet specific requirements, now generally DO NOT have to complete background checks and clearances pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 and Act 15 of 2015.
The Department of Health does not require these clearances for certification however, to obtain or maintain employment as EMS providers, EMS Agencies may require EMS providers to obtain certain background checks that can include:
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance;
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check; and
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check.
Where required, clearances and checks are required to be every five (5) years.
Additional guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding Child Protective Services Law Amendments and EMS can be found here.
EMS providers are not, however, legally mandated to complete mandated reporter training as required under Act 31 of 2014. The Department of Health, on the other hand, can require EMS providers complete this important training.
Volunteers will now qualify for fee waivers for the ChildLine and PATCH clearances.
ChildLine Child Abuse Background Clearance
ChildLine Child Abuse Background Clearances cost $13 for paid staff and are free for volunteers, and can be obtained in one of two ways:
- By submitting the CY 113 form via mail to the Department of Human Services’ ChildLine Verification Unit. The fee associated with the clearance must be paid by money order or business/agency check. DHS does not accept cash or personal checks.
- By submitting online using the following link: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS
Aside from allowing individuals to submit for clearances, the online system will allow organizations to set up business accounts to purchase child abuse history clearance payment codes and distribute those codes to applicants. When an applicant uses a code given to them by an organization, the organization will have access to the applicant’s child abuse history clearance results once they are processed.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH)
The purpose of PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) is to better enable the public to obtain criminal history record checks. The repository was created and is maintained in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Criminal History Information Act contained in Chapter 91 of Title 18, Crimes Code. This Act also directs the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) to disseminate criminal history data to criminal justice agencies, non-criminal justice agencies and individuals on request. Criminal justice agencies can access all of an individual’s criminal history record information (CHRI). The PSP Criminal Record Check costs $22 for paid staff and is free for volunteers, and can be obtained in one of two ways:
- By going online to https://epatch.pa.gov/home and submitting a request (recommended). The associated fee can be paid with credit/debit card online.
- By completing the SP4-164 form and submitting it via mail to the PSP Central Repository. The fee associated with the check must be paid by money order or business/agency check. PSP does not accept cash or personal checks.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check
The FBI Criminal Background Check is a multi-step process that includes fingerprinting. The fee associated with this check is $23.85 for paid staff and $22.60 for volunteers, and can be paid online with a credit/debit card or in-person with a money order. Registration is completed online or over the telephone and must be complete prior to obtaining fingerprinting services. For more information, please visit: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/FBI-Fingerprinting.aspx
Child Health
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides vaccines to children who do not have health insurance. Children who are insured but whose insurance does not cover immunizations are also eligible to receive federally funded vaccines at public sites, including Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics.
Disaster
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employs more than 20,000 people nationwide. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we have 10 regional offices located across the country. We leverage a tremendous capacity to coordinate within the federal government to make sure America is equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Monitoring and responding to changing conditions in Pennsylvania. Connecting county emergency managers with everything they need to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Whereas children comprise one-quarter of the population in the United States, the mission of the National Pediatric Disaster Coalition (NPDC) is to advance community preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery for infants, children, and their families in disasters.
Government Agencies
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. Information from AHRQ’s research helps people make more informed decisions and improve the quality of health care services. AHRQ was formerly known as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
The CDC has remained at the forefront of public health efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats.
HRSA provides national leadership, program resources and services needed to improve access to culturally competent, quality health care.
MCHB strives for a society where children are wanted and born with optimal health, receive quality care and are nurtured lovingly and sensitively as they mature into healthy, productive adults.
NIH is the nation’s medical research agency — making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives.
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
National EMS Partners
The EIIC focuses on accelerating improvements in quality of care and outcomes for children who are in need of urgent or emergency care through an infrastructure that ensures routine, integrated coordination of quality improvement activities between key stakeholder organizations and their champions.
PECARN is the research branch of the national EMS for Children Program. PECARN conducts research on the prevention and management of acute illnesses & injuries in children, generally from an emergency medicine viewpoint.
NEDARC is the data warehouse for the national EMS for Children Program. NEDARC assists states with data collection and analysis and provides technical support to the EMS for Children Program when requested.
The Pediatric Pandemic Network aims to empower health care systems and communities to provide high-quality, equitable care to children every day and in crises.
Pennsylvania EMS Links
The Department of Health is the lead agency for emergency medical services (EMS) in the commonwealth. The department’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services is responsible for the statewide development and coordination of a comprehensive system to prevent and reduce premature death and disability.
PEHSC serves as the recognized independent advisory body to The Pennsylvania Department of Health and all other appropriate agencies on matters pertaining to Emergency Medical Services. As an advocate for its diverse member organizations, PEHSC’s ultimate purpose is to foster improvements in the quality and delivery of emergency health services throughout the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania EMS providers operate based on a set of Statewide EMS Protocols for care based at their specific certification level. EMS Protocols are reviewed by the State Medical Advisory Committee every other year to make sure clinical care is current with industry standards and patient expectations
Regional EMS Councils
Regional EMS Councils provide support and direction to EMS agencies within their respective region. Specific questions regarding EMS in their respective counties should be directed to the Regional EMS Council.
- Bucks County EMS Council
- Chester County EMS Council
- Delaware County EMS Council
- Eastern PA EMS Council
- Emergency Health Services Federation (EHSF)
- EMMCO West
- EMS West (formerly EMSI & EMMCO East)
- EMS of Northeastern PA
- LTS EMS Council
- Montgomery County EMS Council
- Philadelphia Regional EMS Council
- Seven Mountains EMS Council
- Southern Alleghenies EMS Council
Quality Improvement
The NPRQI was created to drive national quality improvement efforts for pediatric emergency care delivery. Most children are seen in general EDs many of which are in rural communities, and less than 50% of these EDs engage in pediatric quality improvement efforts. Given low pediatric patient volumes at an individual site and lack of standardized measures for common pediatric conditions, NPRQI was developed to establish standardized quality measures with benchmarking capabilities.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. Information from AHRQ’s research helps people make more informed decisions and improve the quality of health care services. AHRQ was formerly known as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
Safe Transport Manufacturers
The following weblinks and videos are provided as manufacturer supported guidance for product purchase and/or use. The Pennsylvania EMS for Children program does not endorse any specific product. For a complete list of available products recognized by the National Association of State EMS Officials Safe Transport of Children Committee along with other related education and documents click here.
Patients come in all shapes and sizes, and our smallest patients create unique challenges for patient transport. The Pedi Mate®+, NeoMate™, and KangooFix™ provide quick and efficient ways to safely secure pediatric patients from 3.5-100 lb to almost any cot without having to purchase additional equipment or seats.
Attachment Video Tutorial
The KangooFix Neonatal Restraint System was developed to safely and effectively cradle and secure a newborn during non-critical ambulance transportation, allowing the baby to travel with their parent.
Attachment Video Tutorial
The NEW Quantum ACR4 (Ambulance Child Restraint) is an innovative, flexible and fully adjustable harnessing system, it is the only pediatric restraint in the world that allows the safe and secure transport of newborns and children weighing 4lbs – 100lbs with a single device.
Attachment Video Tutorial
The BABY ACR (Ambulance Child Restraint) is an innovative, flexible and fully adjustable harnessing system for the safe and effective transport of infants weighing 4-11 pounds in an ambulance. Universal cot straps (included) connects with the ACR harness, holding the patient in place to prevent potentially dangerous movement during transportation.
Supporting Organizations
The AAP is an organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. We also recommend visiting the Pennsylvania American Academy of Pediatrics website.
The PTSF is the organization dedicated to certifying PA’s trauma centers. Visit their website for information on which facilities are trauma centers and find the ones that are closest to you.
The American Trauma Society (ATS) is a leading spokes-organization for trauma care and trauma prevention in the United States. For issues specific to PA, visit the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Trauma Society.
The ENA Foundation is an essential resource for emergency nurses looking to advance their career and improve practice around the world. Since 1991, the ENA Foundation has supported emergency nurses globally through grants and scholarships totaling more than $5 million. Help the Foundation make a difference for nurses and the patients in their care.
ACEP is the leading advocate for emergency physicians, their patients, and the public– in that order. Our members are our first priority. When emergency physicians are empowered, our specialty thrives and the public is safer.