WALTON COUNTY FIRE RESCUE BECOMES SECOND DEPARTMENT IN THE STATE TO ACHIEVE PERINATAL READINESS RECOGNITION
Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) has reached a significant milestone in emergency medical care, becoming only the second department in Florida to earn Perinatal Readiness Recognition through the Florida Prehospital Perinatal Readiness Recognition Program (PRRP). This statewide designation highlights WCFR’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of care for pregnant patients, new mothers, and newborns during emergencies.
The PRRP was developed in partnership with state and national organizations to strengthen emergency maternity care, particularly in rural communities where access to labor and delivery services is limited. The certification recognizes EMS agencies that demonstrate advanced training, preparedness, and clinical capability in managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
“This achievement reflects our team’s dedication to providing exceptional care to every patient we serve,” said Fire Chief Jonathon Davis. “In a rural county, EMS often plays a critical role in perinatal emergencies. Earning this certification reinforces our commitment to ensuring expectant mothers, new mothers, and infants receive the highest level of care when it matters most.”
To earn Perinatal Ready status, WCFR met rigorous criteria that include specialized obstetric emergency training, readiness to manage high-risk maternal and neonatal conditions, and alignment with statewide best practices for perinatal care. These efforts support Florida’s broader initiative, led by the University of South Florida (USF) Health and the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, to expand emergency maternity care training in rural counties and improve maternal and infant outcomes across the state. With this accomplishment, Walton County Fire Rescue continues to set the standard for excellence in emergency medical care, ensuring that families in the community receive the highest level of support during critical moments.