Providence Medical Center has been recognized by Nebraska EMS for Children and the Office of Emergency Health Systems as Pediatric Ready.
This honor reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional emergency care for children and their families.
Pediatric calls represent approximately 13% of all EMS calls, and caring for critically ill or injured children can be especially stressful for pre-hospital providers. In Nebraska, children 18 years and younger make up 24.7% of the population, with a child mortality rate of 19.8%. Geographic barriers often delay access to emergency services, particularly in rural areas.
In 2018 alone, Nebraska EMS agencies transported nearly 9,000 pediatric patients—many of whom received care in rural and frontier departments.
Being designated as Pediatric Ready confirms that Providence Medical Center has met rigorous standards, including:
• Compliance with Nebraska statutes and regulations.
• Active participation in state and national EMSC (Emergency Medical Services for Children) surveys and assessments.
• Designation of a Pediatric Emergency Care Champion (PECC) to lead training, education, and pediatric-specific skill validations.
• Implementation of community outreach programs for injury prevention and child safety.
• Maintaining appropriate pediatric equipment and supplies according to national and state guidelines.
“This recognition of achievement is only made possible through the collective hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our entire team,” said Nicole Haglund, CEO of Providence Medical Center. “That team includes not just medical providers, but also the incredible nurses, paramedics, EMS personnel, lab technicians, radiology staff, and every individual who contributes daily to the mission of our hospital.”
“I am very excited that we finally have this recognition!” said Devin Wanke, Emergency Department EMS. “This has been my priority as I serve on the Nebraska EMSC (Emergency Medical Services for Children) board. Pediatric readiness recognition for our EMS program is an outward expression to our community members that we strive to bring exemplary care to their children, starting at home. This certification recognizes our team's dedication to caring for our communities' children by completing pediatric-specific training each year, as well as participating in community pediatric events. This year, our EMS team will join our Therapy department's Bikefest on May 19 to give tours of our ambulance.”
Providence Medical Center extends its gratitude to the entire care team, EMS partners and community stakeholders who made this recognition possible.
