Overview:
Redmond Fire & Rescue has earned official recognition as a Peds Ready Emergency Medical Systems agency by the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program, highlighting the department's commitment to emergency care for kids.
Redmond Fire & Rescue has earned official recognition as a Peds Ready Emergency Medical Systems agency by the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program, highlighting the department’s commitment to emergency care for kids.
A Peds Ready agency is an ambulance service or hospital emergency room that’s been evaluated and found to have the right gear, supplies, medications, staff training, procedures and doctor supervision to deliver top-notch emergency care for kids and babies.
Pride in achievement
Rachel Ford, program manager for the Oregon EMSC Program, praised the department’s efforts in a recent release. “Redmond Fire and Rescue is going above and beyond in their care of pediatric patients. The Oregon EMSC Program thanks them for their dedication to the provision of pediatric emergency medical and trauma care in their community.”
“The foundation within the communities that Redmond Fire and Rescue serves is uniquely strong and resilient. We strive to embody that same foundation. Thank you for trusting us to serve you and your families,” said Luke Jerome, Redmond Fire and Rescue’s EMS captain.
Rigorous standards
The Oregon EMSC Program reviewed and approved Redmond Fire and Rescue’s application once it confirmed the department met all the equipment, protocol and training standards for pediatric emergency medical and trauma care. The National Pediatric Readiness Project has identified many requirements for emergency medical service providers. These include recognizing abnormal vital signs, caring for children with special needs and providing bereavement counseling. Specialty, child-sized equipment, including splints, oxygen monitors and drug-dosing guide, must also be available.
As part of the recognition, the department will receive a certificate and decals for each licensed ambulance. The department is encouraged to put decals on their ambulance in order to raise public awareness about pediatric emergency readiness, but it’s not required.
Program aims to strengthen statewide pediatric care
Redmond Fire & Rescue serves about 50,000 people in Redmond as well as surrounding areas like Terrebonne, Eagle Crest and Pronghorn. The department operates through four fire stations spread out across their territory. The department handles fire, rescue and ambulance around the clock.
The Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program works to strengthen Oregon’s EMS system by sharing education, resources and quality improvement initiatives. The program supports EMS agencies and hospitals in providing pediatric emergency medical and trauma care, aiming for all providers to be “Everyday Ready” to treat children. The award was first established in 1986.
The recognition runs through Oct. 31, 2027, with renewals required every two years.
This article appears in the Source September 18, 2025.
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