Palomar College EMT Students Prepare to Care for Youngest Patients

Headline: Rady Children’s hospital Empowers First Responders with Critical Pediatric Trauma Training

San Diego, CA – July 31, 2025 – Rady Children’s Hospital is stepping up to bolster the pediatric emergency response capabilities across the region. The esteemed institution has been conducting specialized training programs designed to equip emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other first responders with the crucial skills needed to manage children experiencing trauma or injury. Participants from local ambulance services, and also students from San diego State University, southwestern Collage, and Cal State University San Marcos, have benefited from this vital initiative.

Juan Thompson, a respiratory therapist and instructor at Rady Children’s, is at the forefront of this effort, teaching advanced techniques for assisting children with breathing difficulties following critical incidents. “This course is helpful for us because when we do get calls involving children it’s often critical and we need to be at our A game every single time,” shared Ian Fryday, an EMT with the San Marcos Fire Department who is pursuing his paramedic certification at Palomar college.This sentiment underscores the immediate impact and necessity of such specialized education in ensuring the best possible outcomes for young patients.

Evergreen Insights:

The commitment of institutions like Rady Children’s Hospital to specialized pediatric trauma training is paramount. In emergency situations involving children, rapid and expert intervention can be the deciding factor between survival and long-term impairment. This proactive approach to education not onyl enhances the preparedness of individual first responders but also strengthens the overall resilience of a community’s emergency medical system.

Investing in the continuous development of emergency medical personnel, notably in the nuanced field of pediatric care, yields dividends that extend far beyond the immediate incident. It fosters a culture of excellence, reduces response times for critical pediatric cases, and ultimately contributes to better health outcomes for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.As healthcare landscapes evolve, such focused training ensures that first responders are equipped with the most current and effective life-saving techniques, making them indispensable assets in any crisis.

What specific physiological differences between children and adults impact emergency medical treatment, as highlighted in teh Palomar College EMT program?

Specialized Pediatric Emergency Training at Palomar College

Palomar college’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is enhancing its curriculum to better equip students to handle the unique challenges of pediatric emergencies. Recognizing the critical need for specialized skills in pediatric emergency medicine, the program is incorporating advanced training modules focused on infant, child, and adolescent care. This commitment ensures graduates are prepared to provide optimal care for the youngest and most vulnerable patients in pre-hospital settings. EMT training is evolving, and Palomar College is at the forefront.

Understanding the Differences: Pediatric vs. adult Emergencies

Responding to a medical emergency involving a child differs significantly from treating an adult. Several physiological and developmental factors necessitate a tailored approach.

anatomy & Physiology: Children’s airways are smaller and more flexible, making them prone to obstruction. Their bodies also lose heat more rapidly, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Dialog: Effective communication with children requires specialized techniques, considering their age and emotional state. Fear and anxiety are common, impacting assessment and treatment.

Medication Dosage: Drug dosages are calculated based on weight, requiring precise calculations to avoid under or overdosing. Pediatric medication governance is a core skill.

Injury Patterns: Children are susceptible to different injury patterns than adults,such as non-accidental trauma and specific fracture types.

new Curriculum Components: Focused Pediatric Skills

Palomar College’s updated EMT program includes several key components designed to address these differences. These additions go beyond standard EMT certification requirements.

Pediatric Assessment: Students learn a systematic approach to assessing pediatric patients, including vital sign interpretation specific to age groups. This includes recognizing signs of respiratory distress, dehydration, and shock in children.

Airway Management: Training emphasizes techniques for opening and maintaining a pediatric airway, including the use of bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation with appropriate mask sizes.

Trauma Care: Specific protocols for managing pediatric trauma, including head injuries, fractures, and burns, are covered in detail. Pediatric trauma response is a critical focus.

Medical Emergencies: Students learn to recognize and treat common pediatric medical emergencies, such as seizures, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions.

Simulations: High-fidelity simulation scenarios provide students with realistic practice in managing pediatric emergencies in a controlled environment. These simulations often involve volunteer actors portraying parents or caregivers.

The Importance of Family-Centered care

A crucial aspect of the training emphasizes family-centered care.EMTs are taught to involve parents or guardians in the assessment and treatment process whenever possible. This approach not only provides valuable information but also helps to reduce anxiety for both the child and their family.

Communication with Parents: Effective communication techniques for conveying information to distressed parents are practiced.

Emotional Support: EMTs learn to provide emotional support to families during a crisis.

Maintaining Family Presence: Encouraging a parent or guardian to remain with the child during transport,when appropriate,is a key component.

Real-World application: North County Emergency Response

Palomar College EMT graduates frequently enough serve communities throughout North County San Diego, where they encounter a diverse range of pediatric emergencies. Local ambulance services, like those serving Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Escondido, rely on well-trained EMTs to provide rapid and effective care.

Case Study: In July 2024, a Palomar College EMT graduate, responding to a call in Vista, successfully managed a pediatric seizure, utilizing the skills learned in the updated curriculum. the EMT’s calm demeanor and effective communication with the child’s mother were instrumental in stabilizing the patient untill paramedics arrived.

benefits of Specialized Pediatric EMT Training

Investing in specialized pediatric training for EMTs yields notable benefits:

Improved Patient Outcomes: Enhanced skills lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for pediatric patients.

Increased Confidence: EMTs feel more confident and prepared to handle pediatric