By City of Alliance
ALLIANCE, NE – On August 1, 2025, the Alliance Fire Department was recognized by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for pediatric readiness to provide emergency care for children in Nebraska. The DHHS Emergency Medical Services for Children program recognizes prehospital providers across Nebraska for advocating for the unique needs of children, ensuring children in our state have timely access to essential medical care, and providing safety, injury and prevention initiatives.
In 2024, approximately 7.05 percent of emergency medical transports in Nebraska were pediatric patients, equaling 11,513 children. Many of these pediatric patients were treated and transported to rural and frontier emergency departments. Essential skills like airway management and IV placement by prehospital providers have a higher complication or failure rate in pediatric patients versus adult patients. Additionally, children have unique physiological, psychological and developmental needs that are especially relevant in emergencies.
“Alliance Fire Department is committed to ensuring we are equipped and trained to provide high-quality emergency care to children when it matters most,” said Troy Shoemaker, Alliance Fire Chief. “Prioritizing readiness reduces anxiety and turns uncertainty into effective care.”
Alliance Fire Department has shown their commitment to excellence in pediatric care by:
- Demonstrating compliance with Nebraska EMS Statutes and Regulations
- Participating in EMSC assessments/surveys as required each year
- Designating a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator
- Promoting Pediatric Education and/or Pediatric Skills
- Providing Community Outreach for Children
- Having all recommended pediatric equipment and supplies per national recommendations
- Including pediatric considerations in their disaster plan
“While pediatric emergencies may be rare, being prepared makes all the difference,” said Tim Wilson, DHHS State EMS Director. “Nebraska EMS for Children is here to help EMS agencies across Nebraska achieve pediatric readiness to ensure the best outcomes for children in our communities.”
For any questions, please contact Troy Shoemaker, Fire Chief, at (308) 762-2151.