Georgia Mountain News

Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter's Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Reauthorization Act of 2024 has been signed into law, ensuring that children receive appropriate health care during medical emergencies. The bill was co-led by Representatives Kathy Castor, John Joyce, and Kim Schrier, with Senator Ted Budd championing it in the Senate.

The EMSC program, established in 1984, is the only federal initiative focused on improving emergency care for children and adolescents. It provides tailored medical equipment and recommended dosage requirements for prescription drugs to help healthcare professionals meet young patients' specific needs. This program has reduced pediatric injury-related death rates by over 40 percent.

"As a pharmacist, I understand how critical it is that children receive high-quality care that is specialized to their unique needs," said Rep. Carter. "The EMSC program has proven effective at saving lives and provides all hospitals with the resources necessary to treat young patients."

Rep. Castor emphasized the importance of bipartisan support from Congress: "Children and adolescents require unique, specialized emergency care... As the Co-Chair of the Children’s Health Care Caucus and representative of several major children’s hospitals, I know that reauthorizing EMSC is a critical step toward improved outcomes."

EMSC funding ensures hospitals and ambulances are equipped to handle pediatric emergencies while providing training for paramedics and first responders.

Dr. Torey Mack from the Children's Hospital Association stated: "The last thing a parent or caregiver wants to worry about during a medical emergency is whether their first responders or hospital has the resources necessary to save their child."

Emergency Nurses Association President Chris Dellinger expressed gratitude towards Rep. Carter: "Thank you to Rep. Carter for his work to ensure this program continues to help EDs in all 50 states improve their pediatric readiness."

AAP President Ben Hoffman acknowledged those who supported the bill: "Today’s enactment of the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act is a critically important step in ensuring this program will continue to improve the health of our nation’s children."

Numerous organizations have shown support for this legislation including Academic Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Ambulance Association, among others.