STARS: Special Needs Tracking & Awareness Response System

The Special Needs Tracking and Awareness Response System, or "STARS," is a one-of-a-kind program designed to improve emergency care for children with medical complexities. Through the creation of personalized, emergency care plans that are written specifically for EMS and emergency department staff, intensive training and the development of a centralized web-based system that integrates with 911 dispatching systems, our goal is to make emergency care safer for our most fragile children.

STARS is a single program developed and maintained by multiple pediatric hospitals and used by many emergency and EMS agencies throughout Missouri and Illinois. STARS allows medical professionals to access important patient information and care instructions before they even arrive at the patient's side. This way, they can provide faster, more skillful care for better patient outcomes.

Implement STARS in Your District

For ambulance districts, fire departments or community hospitals interested in implementing STARS in their community should contact:

Nicholas Salzman, EMT-P, FP-C, BA | STARS Program Coordinator
314-678-3055

Melanie Biver, RT, BA | STARS STARS Program Liaison
314-678-3054

Resources for Families

Parents, teachers and other caregivers can also help promote the safest, happiest environment possible for children. Check out some resources here:

Resources for Health Care Providers

First responders, physicians, nurses and allied health professional can benefit from and ultimately better serve their patients with the following resources:

STARS FAQs

Emergency medical plans are often created for children with medical complexities. The STARS program ensures that these personalized emergency care plans are written and maintained by the child's pediatric hospital. Through the STARS program, these plans are shared with EMS staff throughout the state. This program allows EMS staff to become an extension of the child's care team by enabling them to become familiar with the high-risk children in their communities, receive appropriate training and prepare for medical emergencies. 
STARS has received national attention for its unique model and proven success and is beginning to expand beyond Missouri and Illinois, with a hospital system in the southeast as the newest adopter of the program.

Our web-based system was built with expansion in mind. Any pediatric hospital who chooses to sign on to be a part of STARS will have full administrative access to the STARS database, training links and other resources.

Enrollment criteria varies slightly by hospital. Generally, technology-dependent children with life threatening or life limiting conditions qualify for STARS. Call us at 314-678-3054 to learn more.
You can ask a representative from your pediatric hospital if they participate in the STARS program. Request a referral or contact us for more information.
Because STARS can be accessed across EMS departments throughout the state, the child will receive care based on his or her individualized plan even if he or she is not at home during the emergency. Multiple pediatric hospitals contribute to the child's record in STARS, and emergency departments and EMS agencies throughout the state utilize these plans.
 

Select Location