EMS to the Point Podcast
 
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Reach-A-Child, a Madison, Wisconsin based nonprofit, distributes "reach bags" to children ages 2 to 12 in distressed situations.  Police, fire and EMS agencies can purchase a set of "reach bags" for a modest amount of money.  However, funds to purchase a set of "reach bags" is typically raised through community partners.

The drawstring "reach bag" contains age appropriate books.  They present an easy and clean replacement to traditional stuffed animals commonly carried on emergency vehicles.

Reach-A-Child's goal is to have a "reach bag" on every first responder vehicle in Wisconsin.  They plan to distribute 20,000 "reach bags" in 2017.  Last year, 9,600 "reach bags" were handed out to Wisconsin children and, in 2005, 6,400 "reach bags" were distributed.  "Reach bags" are given free of charge to children at scenes and traumatic events where family is involved in an auto accident, house fire or other incident police, fire or EMS are summoned for help.