DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 5, 2005 DHSS-101-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAMILIES AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS CAN PLAN NOW FOR EMERGENCIES INVOLVING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) invites families to enroll children with special health needs in an alert program that could save their lives. The free service, called the Special Needs Alert Program (SNAP), gives parents and guardians peace of mind. SNAP allows paramedics and other emergency workers to know where children with special health needs reside - before their families ever make a 911 call. Children with special health needs include those with tracheotomies, IV therapy, feeding tubes, oxygen and wheelchairs, as well as blind or deaf children. Premature and low birth weight babies can also be enrolled. No family interested in the program will be excluded.
Once a child is enrolled in SNAP, local emergency medical services personnel can meet the parents or guardians in the home. Together, the family and emergency personnel identify the child's needs in the event of a 911 call or an emergency evacuation. The child's special health information is shared through signed consent forms with local emergency medical responders to prepare them for emergency calls coming from the home number. All information is confidential. Participation in SNAP is strictly voluntary and families may cancel enrollment at any time.
Fourteen Delaware children enrolled in SNAP since July 2004 when the program began. SNAP Coordinator Beth MacDonald said families have reported that SNAP saved their child's life by allowing paramedics to more rapidly stabilize the child and possibly avoid a trip to the emergency room.
"To enroll or for more information, contact the EMSC office at (302) 744-5415. EMSC will contact the requestor's local emergency medical services and arrange a non-emergency home visit to meet the registered child(ren) and family. This home visit is an optional part of the program.
SNAP is funded in part by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, in partnership with Easter Seals, Delaware and Maryland Eastern Shore.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
