Seminole County Fire Department Recognized for Excellence in Pediatric Emergency Care

Approximately 7 percent of all Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) emergency medical services calls involve pediatric patients. To ensure the highest level of care for children in emergencies, SCFD maintains a strong focus on pediatric preparedness through specialized equipment, advanced training, and rigorous standards.
 
In recognition of these efforts, the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program (PRRP) has recognized SCFD with its PEDReady Gold-Tier designation.
 
The designation honors EMS and fire-rescue agencies that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving pediatric emergency care, education, and readiness.
 
“We’re incredibly proud to be one of only 10 fire agencies in Florida, and among just a few in Central Florida, to achieve this Gold-tier status,” said Chairman Andria Herr of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. “It’s a strong reflection of the Fire Department’s dedication to excellence and to protecting our children, while helping families feel confident and secure.”
 
“We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality EMS care across all patient populations,” said Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley. “This recognition affirms our commitment to providing specialized care for our youngest patients and investing in the training and equipment necessary to ensure children receive the best possible medical care when they need it most.”
 
SCFD’s pediatric readiness includes a comprehensive approach to training, quality improvement, and specialized resources, such as:
 

• A designated Prehospital Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator.
• A department-wide Pediatric Quality Improvement Plan.
• Extensive pediatric-specific training, including Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Prehospital Trauma Life Support, virtual education, and hands-on instruction using SCFD’s Mobile Simulation Lab.
• Scenario-based training addressing pediatric behavioral disorders, developmental delays, crisis recognition, and effective communication strategies.

 
SCFD also deploys specialized pediatric equipment on its apparatus, including:

• Pedi-Mate and Pedi-Mate Plus systems to safely secure children on rescue stretchers.
• EleGARD, a positioning and CPR support device that elevates a patient’s head and thorax during resuscitation.
• Handtevy, a tool that provides paramedics with rapid access to pediatric medication dosing and equipment information.
• A pediatric pain assessment flipbook to help children communicate pain and overcome language or communication barriers.

 
The Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program was developed in collaboration with state and national partners to ensure EMS agencies are prepared to care for critically ill and injured children. The Gold-Tier designation represents the highest level of pediatric preparedness, recognizing agencies that demonstrate excellence through dedicated leadership, specialized equipment, and comprehensive training.
 
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About the Florida EMSC State Partnership Program: The Florida EMSC Program is partially supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a State EMSC Partnership Program Award. The Florida EMSC State Partnership Program is housed at the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville. The program partners with EDs, EMS agencies, disaster preparedness organizations, and families in the care of ill and injured children to enhance pediatric readiness across the continuum of care by working toward meeting defined EMSC Performance Measures. Learn more about Florida EMSC.
Learn more about the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program.
 
About the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD): The Seminole County Fire Department serves nearly a half-million residents countywide with 21 fire stations and responds to nearly 50,000 incidents annually. SCFD holds an ISO Class 1 rating, is accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CFAI), is gold standard–accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), and is an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. SCFD provides emergency services to unincorporated Seminole County and the cities of Altamonte Springs, Casselberry and Winter Springs, and maintains first-response agreements with Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Oviedo, and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Follow SCFD on Facebook (@SCFD.1974), Instagram (@seminolefd) and X (@SCFDPIO). For more information, visit www.SCFDFL.com.