NEWS RELEASE

Boyle County Emergency Medical Services received Pediatric Readiness Accreditation by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. KBEMS is responsible for certifying and licensing emergency medical personnel, establishing standards for the education and training of emergency medical personnel, and licensing all ambulance services in Kentucky.

“Children account for less than 5 percent of the patients seen by EMS in Kentucky,” said KYEMSC Project Director Morgan Scaggs. “While we are happy the number is low, it also means we have less direct experience in meeting their unique needs. We must intentionally practice our skills, review our protocols, and keep equipment ready to ensure kids receive the right care when it matters most. These agencies have demonstrated that they are committed to improving emergency pediatric care and they are raising the bar for everyone, and we couldn’t be happier to recognize and celebrate them.”

EMS director Mike Rogers explained the importance of this designation.

“You really don’t know what to expect when it comes to children because they can have all the illnesses and morbidities that adults have but they’re not just little adults, they have to be treated a very specific way,” Rogers said. “This designation means EMS personnel are trained in pediatric-specific care and carry pediatric-specific equipment.”

This is the third consecutive year that Boyle County EMS has received this accreditation.