Preventing and managing childhood emergencies in schools.

The Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program, initially funded in 1984, is jointly administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Highway Traffic Administration. The program is designed to reduce child and youth mortality and morbidity resulting from severe illness or trauma. Several initiatives, focused at the federal, state, and local levels, have established collaboration between the education and health communities. They include injury prevention education and programs in school settings; school and staff preparation for a medical emergency; and emergency care planning for school children with special health care needs. This article provides an overview of key issues.