The advanced pedi-bag program: a hospital-EMS partnership to implement prehospital training, equipment, and protocols.

Objective: The Advanced Pedi-Bag Program is a partnership between a trauma center and a county-wide EMS agency (LCEMS) with three major goals: 1) train all LCEMS paramedics in the American Heart Association's Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), 2) stock each Life Squad with a specific bag containing the equipment necessary to treat both basic and advanced pediatric emergencies, and 3) develop treatment protocols for pediatric patients.

Design: Descriptive study.

Setting: LCEMS serves a population of 450,000. Pediatric runs account for 800 to 1,200 LCEMS runs per year.

Results: The LCEMS Medical Director established and facilitated mandatory PALS training of 180 paramedics. A committee of emergency/pediatric/trauma professionals developed and distributed 40 bags with a comprehensive inventory of basic and advanced pediatric supplies and equipment to all LCEMS Life Squads upon completion of PALS training. Protocols were developed that integrate the use of the bag's contents.

Conclusion: This partnership between a trauma center and an EMS agency resulted in improved training of county paramedics, Life Squads that have an Advanced Pedi-Bag with specific equipment and supplies to manage pediatric emergencies, and pediatric protocols that support the use of this equipment. Paramedics benefit from advanced training opportunities and patients benefit from improved prehospital care.