Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health recently concluded the West Virginia EMS for Children Pediatric Symposium, held from September 30 to October 2, 2024. The event took place at the Boy Scouts of America’s Summit Bechtel Reserve in Mount Hope and aimed to improve emergency medical care for children across the state.

The symposium brought together emergency medical services (EMS) professionals from various regions. Attendees participated in workshops, keynote presentations, and interactive sessions focused on enhancing skills in pediatric emergency care. These activities underscored the importance of preparedness and effective response during critical situations.

A significant aspect of this year's symposium was mental health support for EMS professionals. Discussions centered around mental health resilience and recent initiatives by West Virginia to provide additional resources for first responders. This focus highlighted the necessity of ensuring the well-being of those responsible for children's care.

“Our commitment to West Virginia’s youngest residents is at the heart of this symposium,” stated Secretary Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFP. “By equipping our EMS professionals with advanced training and mental health support, we are ensuring that our children receive the exceptional care they deserve during emergencies.”

OEMS Director Joseph Ratliff also stressed the importance of addressing both pediatric care and first responders' mental health. “This event is a vital step in enhancing our capability to care for pediatric patients while also supporting the mental health of our first responders. It’s essential that we provide our EMS teams with the tools they need to perform their duties effectively and compassionately.”

The symposium included specialized sessions on pediatric emergency care and mental health resilience for EMS personnel, fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.