Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) has been designated as the first Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center in the Inland Empire by Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA). The Inland Empire is a major metropolitan region in Southern California, United States. This marks a significant advancement in pediatric emergency care for the children of San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono counties in California. 

As a Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center, LLUCH will serve as a regional resource for pediatric emergency care, supporting EMS agencies, hospitals, and healthcare providers. The designation aligns with ICEMA's Emergency Medical Services for Children initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for pediatric patients through enhanced preparedness, coordinated care, and standardized pediatric capabilities.

Peter Baker, JD, MBA, senior vice president and administrator of LLUCH, said the designation recognizes the hospital’s ability to provide the highest level of pediatric emergency, medical, and surgical care. 

“This designation reflects the commitment of our multidisciplinary teams and their focus on efficient and timely pediatric trauma care. We are grateful for the collaboration of our EMS partners and support staff whose dedication made this achievement possible” Baker said.

As part of the designation process, LLUCH demonstrated compliance with state pediatric readiness standards and possesses the specialized resources necessary to care for critically ill and injured children, including a dedicated pediatric emergency department, pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric specialty services, and pediatric trauma capabilities.

The designation supports ICEMA's ongoing efforts to enhance pediatric readiness across the region and establish a coordinated network of pediatric receiving centers capable of delivering appropriate levels of care based on patient needs.

LLUCH will also serve as the Regional Comprehensive Pediatric Receiving Center for Riverside County, even though that county is not part of ICEMA territory.

ICEMA extends its appreciation to the leadership and staff of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, regional EMS providers, hospital partners, and pediatric care stakeholders whose collaboration and commitment made this achievement possible.

The original article was published on the Loma Linda University Health news site.