Purpose and Authority.

(a)

The purpose of this subchapter is to establish minimum standards for the development, implementation, designation, operation, and evaluation of Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) within California's emergency medical services (EMS) system.

(b)

These standards ensure the availability of developmentally appropriate equipment, education, and coordinated care for infants, children, and adolescents across the continuum of emergency medical care -- including prehospital response, hospital treatment, interfacility transfer, and rehabilitation.

(c)

The intent of these regulations is to promote statewide consistency in pediatric emergency care while allowing flexibility for local implementation based on regional needs and resources, in accordance with Division 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code.