The West Virginia Department of Health will host the West Virginia EMS for Children Pediatric Symposium from September 30 to October 2, 2024. The event will take place at the Boy Scouts of America’s Summit Bechtel Reserve in Mount Hope. The symposium aims to advance emergency medical care for children in West Virginia.
The gathering will include emergency medical services (EMS) professionals from across the state. The program features workshops, keynote presentations, and interactive sessions focused on improving pediatric emergency care. Participants will gain skills and knowledge to better serve children in critical situations.
This year’s symposium also emphasizes mental health support for EMS professionals. Recently, West Virginia secured additional resources to enhance mental health support for first responders. This initiative acknowledges that the well-being of those who care for children is essential for providing high-quality care.
“Our commitment to West Virginia’s youngest residents is at the heart of this symposium,” said 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 emphasized the importance of focusing on both mental health and pediatric care. “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.”
Specialized sessions on pediatric emergency care and mental health resilience for EMS personnel will be part of the symposium. Registration is closed, but more details can be found on the Summit BSA website.
Media availability is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 2:30 PM. Media representatives interested in attending should RSVP to dhcommunications@wv.gov.
