Organization ‘the first metro-sized department’ in Florida to receive the PEDReady Gold Tier recognition from Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program
The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) has been named a PEDReady Gold-Tier recipient in the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program (PRRP), “marking the department’s commitment to providing and enhancing pediatric emergency care through training and preparedness,” county staff has announced.
“SCFD is the first metro-sized department in the state to receive this designation and the fourth EMS department,” a news release points out.
“The Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program acknowledges EMS and fire-rescue agencies that demonstrate a strong commitment to pediatric emergency care, including education, disaster preparedness, and community outreach,” the release explains. The program looks at eight major areas in regard to how the department handles pediatric responses, “including every facet of care, equipment, training, procedures, and certifications,” the release says.
“Sarasota County Fire Department EMS personnel played an integral role in this achievement,” the release notes. “SCFD was one of the first agencies in the state to designate a prehospital Pediatric Emergency Care Champion (PECC),” it continues. “A prehospital PECC ensures pediatric clinical practice guidelines are followed, collaborates with local hospital PECCs,” and promotes pediatric training opportunities and family-centered care, the release adds.
“Achieving Gold-Tier status is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to being prepared to provide exceptional pediatric care,” said David Rathbun, chief of the Sarasota County Fire Department, in the release. “From training to working with community partners, this recognition showcases the high level of care and education we provide to families and children in our community.”
In addition to high-quality pediatric care in emergencies, SCFD provides a variety of community engagement programs to help the county’s youngest residents stay safe, including the following, the release points out:
- “The Stay Vigilant Initiative, which focuses on drowning prevention,” is a collaboration with the fire rescue units of the City of North Port, the Town of Longboat Key and the City of Venice; the Sarasota Bradenton Airport Fire Department; the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce; and Safe Kids Florida Suncoast.
- “A partnership with the Tidewell Foundation’s Blue Butterfly staff to provide teddy bears” to pediatric patients ages 5 to 18 and offer grief support services to families.
- “Close partnerships with Safe Kids Coalition, local pediatric emergency departments, trauma centers, and hospitals.
- “Hands-only CPR education that reached 2,737 Sarasota County students and 347 residents in 2024.
- Monthly fire station open houses and other public education opportunities, during which staff conducted 382 bike helmet fittings and installed 23 car seats.