Resources for EMS Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators

The page is designed to be a resource for EMS clinicians and most importantly, Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECCs).  It is under frequent development to offer a variety of resources.  If you have an idea or suggestion to add to or improve this page, please send a message to Marc Minkler, Maine EMSC Program Manager so we can add it!

As part of the EMSC grant, Maine EMS has a statewide system goal of 50% of all Maine EMS agencies to have a designated individual to coordinate pediatric care by March 31, 2027.

Why have a PECC?

The Institute of Medicine report "Emergency Care for Children: Growing Pains" recommends EMS agencies appoint a PECC to provide pediatric leadership and while this individual need not be dedicated solely to this role they are an advocate for improved competencies and availability of resources for pediatric patients.

In a study published in 2015, Gausche-Hill, et al., showed an association between the presence of a PECC and an increase in pediatric preparedness. The PECC can serve as a leader in the system or facility, a point of contact for updates on pediatric care, and liaison with other PECCs.

The role of a PECC is flexible based on the resources and needs of the system(s). Some tasks may include promoting pediatric CEs, working with the Maine EMS for Children Program to collect data on pediatric care, and helping to ensure the availability of appropriate tools and equipment.

What is a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC)?

• In short, it is a person who helps with readiness to manage care and readiness for pediatric patients (under age 18 years)

What qualifications do you need?

• You only need two things - Passion and Interest!
  • You don't have to be an expert - as you learn, so will your colleagues.
  • You don't have to have all the answers - it is a community of help and people to bounce ideas and questions off of.
  • You don't have to have a ton of resources or have a huge budget - many of the resources you need are easy to implement and require little to no money.
  • Improvements come in steps that are comfortable for each agency and administration - each step, no matter how big or small is a step that equals improved and better care for some of our most vulnerable people

What resources are there to help?

• Helpful Tools
  • EMS PECC Role Template (doc)
  • Prehospital Readiness Checklist (PDF)
• Research
  • Pediatric Readiness in EMS (PDF)
  • EMS Provider Perspectives on Pediatric Calls: A Qualitative Study (PDF)
  • Coordination of Pediatric Emergency Care in EMS Systems (Remick et al) (PDF)
  • Simulation-based Assessment of Paramedic Pediatric Resuscitation Skills (Lammers et al) (PDF)

The EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center has a variety of nationally-based resources for PECCs. They include access to free simulation equipment, scenarios, and a disaster triage game.

Have additional questions or would you like to act as your system's PECC?

   Contact us at Marc.A.Minkler@maine.gov

Other Resources

1. New England Behavioral Health Toolkit (link)
2. Map of Hospitals in Maine with Birthing Capabilities (PDF) (3/4/25)
3. Maine Maternal, Fetal, and Infant Mortality Review (MFIMR) Panel report for 2021-2022 (PDF) (3/20/23)
4. Child Abuse or Suspected Child Abuse in Maine
   1. Child Abuse Prevention Resources
   2. Mandatory Reporters in Maine & Education
   3. Mandatory Reporting Statute
   4. Mandatory Reporting Presentation 
5. Maine State Infant Safe Haven Law (PDF)

Resources for Families and Caregivers

• A Guide to Safety Conversations with Families (PDF)
• Evidence-Based Strategies for Child & Adolescent Injury Prevention (PDF)
• Maine Office of Child & Family Services
• Caring for Children in a Disaster

State & Local Partners

• Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department
• Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Pediatric Critical Care
• Northern New England Poison Center
• Maine Chapter - American Academy of Pediatrics
• Consider being a foster parent in Maine! (PDF).  You can also learn more at A Family for ME

Federal Partners

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• EMSC & Innovation/Improvement Center (EMSC IIC)
• National EMS for Children Data Analysis Resource Center (NEDARC)
• Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
• EMS Agenda for 2050

Reference Resources

Maine EMS makes no recommendations on any particular products or procedures.

Clinical Resources

• Pediatric Vital Signs (PDF) (printable chart)
• Quality Improvement in EMS for Children (PDF)

Disaster Resources

• Region 1 Regional Disaster Health Response System
• AAP Disaster Resources
• Children with Special Health Care Needs in Disaster
• FEMA Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers (PDF)

If you would like a resource added, please email marc.a.minkler@maine.gov