Advocates for Change
Do you know how to help your child in an emergency?
Every second counts in a pediatric emergency—but in the U.S., many children don’t get the right care at the right time. If a child doesn’t receive prompt and specialized treatment, the consequences can be fatal or lead to lifelong disabilities.
Since 2006, R Baby has been working to ensure that all children have access to lifesaving pediatric emergency care. Unfortunately, our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems and emergency departments (EDs) are designed for adults, leaving children at risk.
The Problem
Nearly 30 million children visit emergency departments each year, yet many first responders and EDs are not trained to meet their unique needs. Starting with 9-1-1, the system fails children.
Why It Matters
Adult-focused systems cannot save children effectively. Children require specialized equipment, training, and protocols—yet there’s no uniform standard for pediatric emergency care in the U.S.
The Current Reality
Did you know that "pediatric emergency care" has no consistent definition across hospitals? Some hospitals with pediatric units have fully trained specialists available 24/7, while others rely on general practitioners with limited training in pediatrics. This lack of uniformity puts children’s lives at risk.
The Solution
We must adapt our EMS systems to meet children’s needs. This means:
Passing state laws mandating pediatric-focused EMS systems. Here is an example of such a law ›
Establishing national standards for pediatric emergency care.
Ensuring every emergency department is equipped and staffed to handle pediatric emergencies.
Take Action Today
Children cannot advocate for themselves—we must do it for them. Sign our petition to demand lifesaving changes to our EMS systems and ensure no child is left behind in a medical emergency.
Sign the petition now. Together, we can save lives.
Sign our Petition Today! Demand that your emergency department is prepared for your child.
Send a clear message to your state and national representatives. Sign the petition to support:
Improved pediatric emergency care across the U.S.
Increased training for general ER doctors in pediatrics
Mandatory pediatric supplies and equipment in all emergency departments
A new, clear definition of a pediatric emergency room for the best specialized care
Did you know?
The United States rates a D- in access to emergency medical care for children.
A critically ill or injured child can die quickly, in just 30 to 60 minutes. To save these children we need first responder teams and all hospitals to be prepared to care for them at all times.
An emergency department (ED) prepared for children saves more kids. The more prepared the ED, the greater the chances of a child’s survival. But the “average” ED in the US is only 69% ready for kids, and many are far less ready than that.