Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad Trains for Pediatric Care

The Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad (LFHRS) has been notified that they will be among the first EMS agencies in the State of Pennsylvania to be recognized for the high level of preparation and training they have devoted to their pediatric patients. 

The new voluntary statewide initiative is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS and the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council (PEHSC) EMS for Children (EMSC) program. LFHRS has been awarded the highest level of recognition, “Level 4 - Master”, one of only 13 organizations throughout Pennsylvania to initially be recognized at this level.

The evaluation process for the pediatric recognition focuses on four areas, with varying levels of recognition, based on standards set by the Department of Health and the EMS for Children Program. 

• “Level I - Basic” describes the pediatric equipment that must be carried on the ambulance. 
• “Level II - Intermediate”, requires that all personnel riding on an ambulance must have a child abuse background clearance. 
• “Level III - Advanced”, requires that all EMS personnel must have at least 4 hours of training on pediatric emergency care each year. 
• “Level IV - Master”, requires an EMS agency to participate in activities designed to provide education, injury prevention initiatives, and outreach within their community that benefit children. 

LFHRS Executive Director Steve Hare stated, “As an organization, we are honored to be among the first EMS agencies in Pennsylvania to be awarded this recognition. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our EMS providers in preparing to respond to emergencies involving pediatric patients.” 

Hare went on to explain that LFHRS has long carried the necessary pediatric equipment on its ambulances and required child abuse checks of its staff. Within the last two years, LFHRS made a mandatory requirement for all staff to receive at least four hours of training on pediatric emergency care. 

Hare explained that LFHRS is involved in numerous community outreach activities of benefit to the children of their community. LFHRS provides car seat safety inspections and a car seat loaner program, participates annually in the Prom Promise Program at various high schools, and most recently participated in a school emergency response program.