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In This Issue:
The Pediatric Pandemic Network
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The MT EMSC Program, in partnership with the MT DPHHS Children’s Special Health Services (CSHS) Program, is shipping Carter Kits to your Fire/EMS agency!
**What are Carter Kits?**
Carter Kits are specially designed sensory bags that contain clinically approved items intended to comfort children on the autism spectrum and other children who may feel overwhelmed or affected by traumatic events. Created for first responders, Carter Kits have now expanded to serve various professions, including mental health, education, churches, emergency departments, and more.
In addition to the kits you will receive, we encourage all staff members at your agency who provide care to children to review the free, evidence-based Autism Training available at (https://carterkits.org/training).
Each EMS/Fire agency will receive four kits, one for each individual rig. The mailing addresses and email contacts were obtained from ImageTrend. Shipments will begin in batches on January 8th and will be processed in alphabetical order by agency name. Please contact our office if your agency has not received a Carter Kit by April 1, 2026.
If you have any questions, please email me at Kelly.little@mt.gov or call 406.444.0901. Thank you for your commitment to caring for Montana’s children.
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Education and Training
Pediatric Readiness Guidelines for a NEW National Assessment Webinar
Feb. 12, 1-2 pm CT
In collaboration with the Federal EMSC Program, experts from the leading organizations involved in emergency care for children will soon release an updated 2026 joint policy statement, "Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department." These guidelines are the basis for the next National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Nationwide Assessment for emergency departments (EDs), launching in March 2026.
NPRP Co-leads, Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill, Dr. Kate Remick, and Dr. Hilary Hewes will provide information about the life-saving potential and low cost of Pediatric Readiness, what’s new in the guidelines, and provide insights to help you prepare for the 2026 NPRP Assessment. ED clinicians–including nurses, physicians, and administrators–are encouraged to participate.
Register Here
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A 2nd Recall of Broselow Tapes produced by AirLife Medical
A third error was recently found in addition to the previous Broselow tape recall regarding Ketamine dosage. Please see the attached notice here for the latest information.
- Flumazenil as 0.1 mg/kg instead of the correct 0.01 mg/kg dose.
- Vecuronium as 0.1 mg/ml instead of the correct 0.1 mg/kg dose.
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Ketamine (IV/IO for pain/analgesia)
- The tape lists IV/IO ketamine for pain/analgesia is1mg/kg, whereas the appropriate pediatric analgesic (sub-dissociative) dose is 0.1 mg/kg.
- The represents a 10-fold overdose and may result in a dissociative sedation dose being administered when only analgesia was intended.
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Organizations using this tape should immediately:
- Check their supplies.
- Put safety measures in place.
- Educate staff about the error.
For more information, reach out to AirLife Customer Service at 1-800-433-2797 or productquality@myairlife.com.
Montana Youth Suicide Infographic
The youth suicide rate in Montana has consistently been more than double the national rate. Click here to view the MT Violent Death Reporting Infographic published November 2025.
Contact Lauren Marshman, MT DPHHS, Violent Death Reporting System/SUDORS, Forensic Data Analyst, or Hannah Yang, EMSTS Epidemiologist Supervisor, with questions.
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Upcoming Meetings & Conferences
Perinatal & Pediatric Mental Health Symposium
March 4-5, 2026
Double Tree
Billings, MT
This year's Perinatal and Pediatric Mental Health Symposium is hosted by the Montana Psychiatric Access Line (MTPAL) – Montana’s free statewide psychiatric consultation line for healthcare professionals caring for perinatal and pediatric populations. This symposium continues our commitment to supporting providers across the state who serve these vital populations, offering education, resources, and opportunities to connect with colleagues dedicated to perinatal and pediatric mental health.
Who Should Attend?
This may include, but is not limited to: Primary care providers, family practice physicians, behavioral health providers, obstetric providers, midwives, pediatricians, psychiatric providers, psychologists, nurses, medical assistants, care coordinators, social workers, doulas, and other medical and behavioral health professionals serving perinatal and pediatric populations. Families, parents, and guardians of children with behavioral health conditions who would benefit from the material are also welcome to attend.
Registration
2026 Registration Fees
Students and Medical Residents: $30 (email pete.lovette@umontana.edu to register as a student or medical resident).
Early Bird (register before Feb 13, 2026): $50
Standard (register after Feb 13, 2026): $75
There is no virtual option for 2026.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
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In the News
Resources
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EMS & Trauma Systems Section
EMS for Children
PO Box 202951
1400 Broadway
Helena, MT 59620-2951
Phone: (406) 444-0901
Fax: (406) 444-1814
https://dphhs.mt.gov/ EMSC
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