SARASOTA COUNTY - The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) was named a PEDReady Gold-Tier recipient in the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program (PRRP), marking the department’s commitment to providing and enhancing pediatric emergency care through training and preparedness.

SCFD is the first metro-sized department in the state to receive this designation and the fourth EMS department. 

The Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program acknowledges EMS and fire-rescue agencies that demonstrate a strong commitment to pediatric emergency care, including education, disaster preparedness, and community outreach. The program looks at eight major areas of how the department handles pediatric responses including every facet of care, equipment, training, procedures, and certifications.

Sarasota County Fire Department EMS personnel played an integral role in this achievement. SCFD was one of the first agencies in the state to designate a prehospital Pediatric Emergency Care Champion (PECC). A prehospital PECC ensures pediatric clinical practice guidelines are followed, collaborates with local hospital PECCs, 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 David Rathbun, Chief of the Sarasota County Fire Department. “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 high-quality pediatric care in emergencies, SCFD provides a variety of community engagement programs to help the county’s youngest residents stay safe, including:

• The Stay Vigilant Initiative, which focuses on drowning prevention, is a collaboration with Fire Rescue Units of the City of North Port, the Town of Longboat Key, the City of Venice; Sarasota Bradenton Airport Fire Department; the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and Safe Kids Florida Suncoast.
• A 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.
• Close partnerships with Safe Kids Coalition, local pediatric emergency departments, trauma centers, and hospitals.
• Hands-only CPR education that reached 2,737 Sarasota County students and 347 residents in 2024.
• Monthly fire station open houses and other public education opportunities where staff conducted 382 bike helmet fittings and installed 23 car seats.