The Minquas Fire Company Emergency Medical Services division has received recognition from the PA Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council as part of the EMS for Children Prepared for Pediatrics program. Over 78,000 children are estimated to be transported via ambulance annually in Pennsylvania, that’s one transport every 7 minutes. In order to ensure that EMS agencies are prepared for pediatric patients, the Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program (PVRP) was created by the EMS for Children program, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of EMS. Minquas Fire Company EMS applied for recognition at the "Expert" level and received official notice last week that the recognition has been approved. This voluntary program recognizes EMS agencies that have established their own programs and standards to improve their capabilities to deliver care to children in emergencies. As part of the requirements, the Minquas Fire Company ambulances have all been equipped with additional pediatric specific emergency equipment over and above what is required for a standard ambulance. Additionally, all EMS staff members are required to complete several hours of pediatric related training each year, maintain certification in pediatric CPR and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and facilitate education, injury prevention, and community outreach focused on children. Minquas Fire Company EMS is 1 of 48 EMS agencies in Pennsylvania that have achieved the "Expert" level recognition, and 1 of 4 in Chester County that have received recognition through this program.

We are very proud of our EMS staff and excited to let the community know we are "Prepared for Pediatrics"!!