Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics
EDAP
EDAP (Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics) is a component of the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical System, which indicates the designation to receive 911-ambulance traffic of pediatric patients. There are currently 42 EDAP hospitals in Los Angeles County. To qualify as an EDAP, a hospital emergency department must meet specific criteria, including requirements for pediatric equipment, physician coverage, ongoing pediatric education and policies as well as having a designated Pediatric Liaison Nurse (PdLN). The PdLN collaborates with the nurse educator to assure that all EDAP requirements are met and that the minimum number of pediatric education hours are provided and tracked. In addition the PdLN conducts pediatric specific QI audits on patients seen and develops programs in response to determined needs and/or makes resources available to the staff and out of hospital providers. The PdLN is considered the “in-house” pediatric resource who liaisons as needed with internal committees or outside facilities effecting pediatric emergency care.
Become an EDAP
In Los Angeles County, contact DHS/EMS www.ladhs.org, click on Prehospital care, then click on EDAP, to obtain information on how to initiate the application process.
Outside of Los Angeles County contact your local DHS Department to discuss establishing an EDAP standard for pediatric 911-receiving hospitals.