Resources for ED Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators

The page is designed to be a resource for ED clinicians and most importantly, Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECCs).  It is under frequent development to offer a variety of resources.  If you have an idea or suggestion to add to or improve this page, please send a message to Marc Minkler, Maine EMSC Program Manager so we can add it!

As part of the EMSC grant, Maine EMS has a statewide system goal of 75% of all Maine hospitals with a 24/7 ED to have a designated individual to coordinate pediatric care by March 31, 2027.

Why have a PECC?

The Institute of Medicine report "Emergency Care for Children: Growing Pains" recommends EMS agencies and EDs appoint a PECC to provide pediatric leadership and while this individual need not be dedicated solely to this role they are an advocate for improved competencies and availability of resources for pediatric patients.

In a study published in 2015, Gausche-Hill, et al., showed an association between the presence of a PECC and an increase in pediatric preparedness. The PECC can serve as a leader in the system or facility, a point of contact for updates on pediatric care, and liaison with other PECCs.

The role of a PECC is flexible based on the resources and needs of the system(s). Some tasks may include promoting pediatric CEs, working with the Maine EMS for Children Program to collect data on pediatric care, and helping to ensure the availability of appropriate tools and equipment.

What is a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC)?

  • In short, it is a person who helps with readiness to manage care and readiness for pediatric patients (under age 18 years)

What qualifications do you need?

  • You only need two things - Passion and Interest!
    • You don't have to be an expert - as you learn, so will your colleagues.
    • You don't have to have all the answers - it is a community of help and people to bounce ideas and questions off of.
    • You don't have to have a ton of resources or have a huge budget - many of the resources you need are easy to implement and require little to no money.
    • Improvements come in staeps that are comfortable for each hospital and administration - each step, no matter how big or small is a step that equals improved and better care for some of our most vulnerable people

What resources are there to help?

The EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center has a variety of nationally-based resources for PECCs. They include access to free simulation equipment, scenarios, and a disaster triage game.

The Massachusetts PECC toolkit has additional information, guidelines and great training videos on pediatric care.

Have additional questions or would you like to act as your system's PECC?

   Contact us at Marc.A.Minkler@maine.gov

Other Resources

  1. New England Behavioral Health Toolkit (link)
  2. Map of Hospitals in Maine with Birthing Capabilities (PDF) (9/25/2023)
  3. Maine Maternal, Fetal, and Infant Mortality Review (MFIMR) Panel report for 2021-2022 (PDF) (3/20/23)
  4. Child Abuse or Suspected Child Abuse in Maine
    1. How to Report Child Abuse
    2. Mandatory Reporters in Maine & Education
    3. Mandatory Reporting Presentation 
  5. Maine State Infant Safe Haven Law (PDF)

Resources for Families and Caregivers

State & Local Partners

Federal Partners

Reference Resources

Maine EMS makes no recommendations on any particular products or procedures.

Clinical Resources

Disaster Resources

If you would like a resource added, please email marc.a.minkler@maine.gov