CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2025) – Charlotte County Fire & EMS has been recognized by the Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program for achieving the criteria for the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program at the Florida PEDReady Gold Tier. This recognition makes Charlotte County Fire & EMS only the eighth agency in the state of Florida to earn this distinction.
The award displays Charlotte County Fire & EMS’s strong commitment to enhancing pediatric emergency care, education, and disaster preparedness. The Florida PRRP acknowledges EMS and fire rescue agencies that meet established standards for pediatric readiness in prehospital care.
“Pediatric emergencies are infrequent, but when they occur, they demand specialized skills and training,” said Public Safety Director & Fire Chief Jason Fair. “Earning this recognition as only the eighth agency in Florida highlights our team’s dedication to delivering the highest standard of care in our community to include children. More importantly, it reflects the training, commitment, and collaboration that make our system stronger. By working closely with Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition, and our local hospitals, we’ve built a network of care that ensures our youngest patients receive the treatment they need when it matters most.”
On average, 80% of EMS agencies see fewer than eight pediatric patients per month. This limited exposure makes it challenging for prehospital professionals to develop and maintain pediatric care competencies. Programs such as PRRP help ensure providers remain prepared through training, education, and organizational standards. National studies have shown that agencies participating in pediatric readiness programs are associated with lower mortality risks for children seeking emergency care.
About the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program
The Florida Prehospital PRRP is based on national consensus recommendations from the EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center National PRRPs Collaborative, the 2020 Joint Policy Statement: Pediatric Readiness in Emergency Medical Services Systems, and other established state recognition programs.
Developed in collaboration with the Florida EMSC Advisory Committee, Florida EMSC EMS Pediatric Readiness Workgroup, Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors , Florida Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight , and other state organizations, the program has two recognition tiers: PEDReady Silver and PEDReady Gold. Agencies undergo an application review and verification visit before being awarded recognition.
About Florida EMSC State Partnership Program
The Florida EMSC State Partnership Program, housed at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, is partially supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program partners with EMS agencies, hospitals, disaster preparedness organizations, and families to enhance pediatric readiness across the continuum of care. Learn more about the Florida EMSC Program at https://tinyurl.com/FLEMSC.
For information, contact Ashley Turner at 941-833-5610 or Ashley.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
###