In 2015, Chrystal Rutledge, M.D., an associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care, pioneered the idea for the COACHES Program—an initiative that is now transforming pediatric care in Alabama through education and simulation training.
COACHES, which stands for Children's of Alabama Community Healthcare Education Simulation, focuses on pediatric emergency readiness for healthcare providers in community hospitals across Alabama. The program uses a multipronged approach to improve pediatric emergency care, with education serving as the foundational element. Through simulation-based training, it assesses the current capabilities of health care providers and hospitals. It helps hospitals improve emergency readiness and facilitates ongoing relationships between hospitals and specialists at Children’s of Alabama.
Since the inception of COACHES, members of the team have conducted more than 150 visits to nearly 60 hospitals, engaging more than 2,000 participants. The program also has led to successful studies.
For a closer look at the impact the program is having, click here.
Children’s of Alabama and UAB collaborated to celebrate the nursing teams from both organizations for the inaugural Heart of Birmingham Nurses Block Party. The event, held in October, included a photo booth, food trucks, games, music and the opportunity for the Children’s and UAB nursing teams to spend time together.
The Children’s Health Education and Safety Center completed the first year of its Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) grant for pediatric vehicular heatstroke education. Among the educational programs the grant (worth $195,788.02) supported was Look and Lock, a safety event held on National Heatstroke Prevention Day (May 1). Children’s sponsored the event in conjunction with several other national and state organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and ADECA. At the event, Children’s and other sponsors provided parents and caregivers with valuable knowledge about hot car safety and prevention, along with the opportunity to win a free age-appropriate car seat and a consultation with certified child passenger safety technicians. Many of the other educational opportunities supported by this grant were targeted toward rural and underserved communities. The Health Education and Safety Center also promoted the message of safety through a comprehensive statewide media campaign for education on hot cars.
Other Health Education and Safety Center grants:
Licensed Practical Nurses
Registered Nurses