Matheson Legislation Passes House, Improves Emergency Care for Kids

Press Release

Yesterday evening the U.S. House of Representatives passed unanimously Congressman Matheson's bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4290, the Wakefield Act. The legislation, overwhelmingly supported by members of both parties throughout the process, ensures the continuation of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program, focused solely on improving emergency care for children and adolescents.

2014 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program, which strives to address the unique emergency healthcare needs of kids and teenagers, such as smaller medical equipment or more limited doses of medication. Children are not "little adults," and this is no more evident than in medical care. In a similar medical emergency, children respond differently than adults, and therefore require -- and deserve -- specialized care.

EMSC grant funds go to all 50 states and territories, which has helped educate, train, and certify medical professionals in trauma care for children; helped ensure that proper medical equipment is on hand in ambulances and emergency rooms; and ultimately to make certain that the full spectrum of emergency medical care is available to children no matter where they live, attend school, or travel. Over the thirty years the EMSC program has been in place, survival rates for children who are victims of trauma have improved.

Matheson added, "I am proud that my commonsense legislation, which improves medical care for children across our country, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. We all agree that keeping our kids safe, and making sure that they are well cared for, both routinely and in times of crisis, is a top priority."

A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Orrin Hatch. Both Congressman Matheson and Senator Hatch's bills are supported by the Utah Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Intermountain Healthcare, and Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.

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