FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Connecticut Department of Public Health
Aug 21, 2009 Contact: William Gerrish
(860) 509-7270
This year’s donation is largest since beginning of program in 2007
Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program will donate over 200 bags of pediatric medical equipment to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers across the state, including local police, fire departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
“When responding to an emergency, children are our top priority,” stated Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin. “In situations when seconds matter, having the right equipment when responding to an emergency will improve pediatric outcomes and save lives.”
The pediatric bags will contain pediatric medical equipment such as child-sized head immobilizers, blood pressure cuff in pediatric sizes, a pediatric bag valve mask, a burn sheet, and pedi-select cervical collars. The equipment is funded by a grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration and will aid in responding to medical emergencies in which children are involved.
The EMSC Program began donating pediatric medical equipment to first responders in 2007 to address pediatric needs in emergency response. Since the beginning of the program, 171 pediatric bags have been distributed to Connecticut’s EMS providers. This year marks the largest distribution yet with the donation of 216 bags of pediatric medial equipment statewide. All bags will be distributed throughout the state by September 1st.
The department’s EMSC program works within the overall Emergency Medical Services System to reduce child and youth disability and death to due illness or injury by providing health care providers with the education, products, and resources necessary to address the unique medical needs of children and adolescents. The EMSC Program advocates for children’s health care issues including injury prevention, pre-hospital care, and pediatric emergency medicine. The EMSC Program conducts conferences, classes, and training programs.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.
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