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In times of an emergency, it’s important to know which hospitals have the essential resources and capabilities in place to meet the emergency needs of seriously ill and injured children.
The Emergency Department at Providence Tarzana Medical Center has received Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) certification by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services — Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency.
 “Ambulances only bring children to EDAP certified hospitals,” says Dr. Paula Whiteman, EDAP Medical Director for Providence Tarzana Medical Center (pictured left). “Therefore, when the 911 system is activated, sick and injured children will preferentially be taken to our facility.”
Hospitals seeking this voluntary designation receive a site visit by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services — EMS Agency to verify that the emergency department is capable of meeting the following key pediatric emergency care standards:
- Board Certified or Eligible Emergency Department Physicians
- Professionals specially trained in pediatric emergency care
- Adequate staffing and provisions for pediatric consultation to support pediatric emergency care services
- Availability of essential pediatric equipment, supplies and medications
- Implementation of protocols for the treatment of the abused child, critically injured children and those children requiring transfer to a specialized care center
- Incorporation of pediatrics into quality improvement and educational activities
There are a total of 46 EDAP certified hospitals in Los Angeles County, one of which is Providence Tarzana Medical Center.
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