Six Arizona emergency services teams are getting high fives all around for setting the bar higher when it comes to pediatric emergency care. The Making Arizona Ready for Kids (MARK) Program—an initiative under the Arizona EMS for Children (EMSC) Program—has shone a light on these agencies, granting them kudos for their top-tier efforts in caring for Arizona's kids in crisis.
These agencies didn’t just pass the test; they aced it. To score a nod from MARK, they've had to thoroughly to analyze and validate their preparedness, showcasing advanced training and a stocked toolkit of pint-sized gear optimized for children. The latest honorees of this forward-thinking recognition program have woven pediatric needs into the fabric of their emergency services with impressive dedication.
Arizona Fire and Medical Authority in Sun City West, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority in Prescott Valley, Gila River Emergency Medical Services in Sacaton, Life Line Ambulance Services in Prescott, Maricopa Fire and Medical Department in Maricopa, and Puerco Valley Fire District in Sanders make up the proud cohort of 2025 recipients. Their ranks boast a swathe of upgrades from integrated advanced pediatric training to community outreach programs that do more than just offer a help hand—they save lives.
It's about more than just the badge, though. These agencies are trailblazers, adopting serious pediatric protocols and making sure their squads are up to snuff with training like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), neonatal resuscitation, and savvy tech like the Handtevy system. In a statement made by the Arizona Department of Health Services, the program details how these groups are actively strengthening their community ties and education on everything from drowning prevention to bleeding control.
