Delivering this level of care to injured children and their families requires a universal health-care commitment. Prevention is also considered paramount to save lives, reduce disability, and avoid the high cost of trauma care. Over the past 16 years, the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau has administered the Emergency Medical Services for Children program to ensure that every child in the U.S. receives emergency care of the highest level possible. The EMSC has brought national attention to the need for specialized emergency care for children. Education materials covering every aspect of pediatric emergency care have been developed, and a partnership has been forged with 16 national and professional organizations to help implement the EMSC's goals.
Much work remains to be done.
Nonetheless, with advances in both research and technology, the Emergency Medical Services for Children program continues to strive to raise awareness of this very important issue. Return to Volume 12 or Recover y home .