House Passes Reichert-Backed Bill Boosting Emergency Medical Services For Children
Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today applauded the passage of a bill he helped introduce to expand and improve emergency care for children who need treatment for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The Wakefield Act, which passed the House 390-6, reauthorizes the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) grant program that helps states and medical institutions buy pediatric equipment for hospitals, train first responders, and improve standards of emergency care for children. Reichert has been one of the measure's strongest supporters in Congress, having twice secured its approval in the House and successfully passed an amendment in 2007 that increased resources for the program by $2.5 million.
"Families must have the comfort of knowing that if their children are involved in serious accidents, that the right emergency services are ready and available to deliver the very best care in that time of need," said Reichert. "The injuries and illnesses that bring children to the emergency room are significantly different than those that affect adults, and it is essential that hospitals and first responders have the adequate tools and equipment to serve them. I have been a tireless advocate for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program because as a former first responder and the former Sheriff of King County, I understand its importance to emergency preparedness and quality trauma care for our children. Now, we must lean on the Senate to follow the lead of the House and pass this important bill.
Although children account for 30 million annual visits to the emergency room -- more than a quarter of all visits -- many hospitals and trauma centers are not adequately prepared to handle these patients. A recent Center for Disease Control study found that only 6% of all U.S. emergency departments have all of the supplies necessary for handling pediatric emergencies.
As the founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Children's Health Care Caucus, Reichert successfully passed an amendment increasing funding for the EMSC program by $2.5 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 Health and Human Services spending bill. His caucus also sponsored briefings on the program and helped secure the bipartisan support of more than 70 Members for the reauthorization. The Wakefield Act passed the House in August 2008, but did not pass in the Senate before Congress adjourned.