Sarasota County emergency agencies earn statewide recognition

The Sarasota County Fire Department has earned PEDReady Gold-Tier status in the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program. It is the first metro-sized department and fourth EMS department in the state to receive the designation. 

The program acknowledges EMS and fire/rescue agencies that demonstrate a commitment to pediatric emergency care. The fire department was one of the first agencies in the state to designate a prehospital pediatric emergency care champion, who ensures the following of pediatric clinical practice guidelines, collaborates with local hospital colleagues and promotes pediatric training opportunities and family-centered care.

“Achieving gold-tier status is a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to being prepared to provide exceptional pediatric care,” said SCFD Chief David Rathbun. “From training to working with community partners, this recognition showcases the high level of care and education we provide to families and children in our community.”

In addition to pediatric care in emergencies, SCFD provides several community engagement programs for youth safety, including:

• Stay Vigilant Initiative, which focuses on drowning prevention.
• Partnership with the Tidewell Foundation’s Blue Butterfly staff to provide teddy bears to pediatric patients, ages 5-18, and offer grief support services to families.
• Partnerships with Safe Kids Coalition, local pediatric emergency departments, trauma centers and hospitals.
• Hands-only CPR education reaching 2,737 Sarasota County students and 347 residents in 2024.
• Monthly fire station open houses and other public education opportunities where staff conducts bike helmet fittings and installs car seats.