The Collaborate Short Reports are designed to provide a snapshot of data insights on relevant topics that relate to patient care, crew safety, operational management, and public health. They highlight and summarize key analysis and findings to drive industry awareness, validation, and more in-depth research.

Several studies have found an increase in emergent pediatric behavioral health incidents over the last two decades and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.¹-³ The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the proportion of pediatric mental health-related emergency department visits increased by 31% from 2019 to 2020.² The rise in pediatric behavioral health emergencies is not only a societal concern, but also adds additional strain to EMS organizations.

This Collaborate report is a large sample of data from across the nation where pediatric behavioral health incidents are seen in the prehospital setting. This report looks at how these incidents have changed across age groups and different regions from 2018 to 2021. The goal is to add valuable data to not only the prehospital industry but also bridge the gap with public health programs and initiatives.

1. Mapelli E, Black T, Doan Q. Trends in Pediatric Emergency Department Utilization for Mental Health-Related Visits. J Pediatr. 2015 Oct;167(4):905-10. doi:
   10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.07.004. Epub 2015 Aug 6. Erratum in: J Pediatr. 2015 Nov;167(5):1176. PMID: 26256019.
2. Leeb RT, Bitsko RH, Radhakrishnan L, Martinez P, Njai R, Holland KM. Mental Health–Related Emergency Department Visits Among Children Aged <18
   Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, January 1–October 17, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:1675–1680. DOI:
   http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6945a3.
3. Fernandez, A., Gindt, M., Babe, P., & Askenazy, F. (2021). Mental health-related visits in a pediatric emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic.
   International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 14(1), 1-3.