findERnow
Every parent and caregiver should have this important app on their phone.
DOWNLOAD findERnow TODAY
For years, parents and caregivers have asked R Baby about resources to help them find ERs that are more likely to be prepared to treat children. R Baby Foundation continues to collaborate with the Emergency Medicine Network (EMNet) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) on an enhanced version of the EMNet findERnow™ mobile app, with updated information on pediatric emergency care.
Because of funding from R Baby Foundation, the app includes essential information about pediatric emergency care. The app is designed for all parents, caregivers, relatives and babysitters, and it is ideal for travelers, especially those traveling with young children. This app is also important for families with food allergies and chronic health conditions. All families can benefit by preparing in advance even if just for peace of mind as well as having accurate navigation in the event of an actual emergency.
With the touch of a screen, findERnow shows users the distance and directions from their current location to the closest ERs, using EMNet’s proprietary ER database, which is the most complete and accurate in the nation. The enhanced pediatric version helps users easily distinguish which ERs are more likely to be prepared to provide emergency care for children, as these ERs are marked with a blue baby icon to indicate children’s care from birth to eighteen years old. Users can access critical information on pediatric emergency care, including the percentage of annual visits from children, if the hospital has a verified pediatric trauma or pediatric burn center, and if the ER has a separate pediatric area. The app also shows if the ER has pediatric coordinators. Research has shown that having a pediatric coordinator in an ER increases the likelihood of having the latest pediatric training, equipment and supplies.
Did you know that according to the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC)’s 2013 National Pediatric Readiness assessment, only 47% of the 4,146 ERs surveyed nationwide have an emergency preparedness plan in place that addresses the unique needs of children? ERs have different levels of preparedness for pediatric emergencies due to varying degrees of training and equipment.
Being an advocate for your child during an emergency situation can have a significant impact on the overall outcome. Unfortunately, most parents do not know that many ERs nationwide are not prepared to deal with pediatric emergencies. We are thrilled to have collaborated with the EMNet team at Mass General to develop this powerful tool that helps parents and caregivers access critical information on where and how to get life-saving care for children so they can make informed decisions before and during emergencies.
“Children who require emergency care have unique needs, especially when emergencies are serious or life-threatening,” said Carlos A. Camargo M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine and EMNet director. “findERnow can help direct parents and caregivers to the closest ERs and see which are more likely prepared to provide emergency care for children.”
Thanks to Birdsnest Foundation, R Baby created a PSA to share findERnow with a wider audience. Thank you also to R Baby supporter Lisa Asher for helping to secure airings on Cunningham television stations throughout the country, resulting in thousands of airings of the PSA including:
WATM/WWCP in Johnstown, PA WBSF in Flint, MI
WDBB in Birmingham, ALWGTU in Traverse City, MI
WMYA in Asheville, SC WNUV in Baltimore, MD
WRGT in Dayton, OH WTAT in Charleston, SC
WTTE in Columbus, OH WVAH in Charleston, WV
WYZZ in Peoria, IL
We are also proud to announce our initiative with Bound Agency to share the app with wider social media audience to make sure this is on every caregiver’s phone. Please make sure to follow R Baby on social media platforms!
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