Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) unveiled bipartisan legislation on Thursday that would reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children program.
The EMSC program provides grants to ensure that emergency medical services are equipped to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, including smaller medical equipment and lower doses of medication.
“The EMSC program has been a real success story and has undoubtedly helped save children’s lives across the country, ” Hatch said. “Children require specialized medical care, and that specialized care comes with unique challenges. The EMSC program helps ensure that some of our country’s most vulnerable have access to the care they need, and I’ve been proud to support it all these years.”
Reps. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) and Peter King (R-N.Y.) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives.
“This program has expanded and improved emergency medical services for children needing trauma or critical care,” Matheson said. “The EMSC program will continue to play a vital role in ensuring our children receive the best care in hospitals and emergency care centers.”
American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. James Perrin said pediatric emergency services begin the moment an emergency call is placed.
“The EMSC program is there for children during times when they are especially vulnerable and most in need of medical equipment, care and services designed especially for them,” Perrin said. “The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds Sens. Casey and Hatch and Reps. Matheson and King for introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize this landmark child health program.”