About Emergency Department/Trauma
California’s emergency departments (EDs) provide critical health services to those experiencing trauma, injury, or acute medical conditions. EDs offer comprehensive care, do not require previous authorization, and are open 24/7 year-round. EDs are facing unprecedented patient volume, with a 42% increase in the past seven years. By improving access to care for primary and specialty services, emergency visits can be reduced. More focused state and federal policies will be required to reduce Californians’ health care risks and ensure equitable access to appropriate care levels before people need emergency care.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County EMS Seeks Input on Key Policies
The San Diego County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Office is in the process of revising several policies that support the organized EMS delivery system, and has released updated drafts for additional public comment through April 14. These drafts are based on initial community feedback from the comment period that ended Dec. 31, 2024. Changes include clarifying language, among other edits, on the following policies: Special Program Authorizations, EMS Continuing Education, Data Use and Standards, EMS Dispatch Enhanced Care Access (and its related template is included for comment).
5 Things To Know: Emergency Services Office Seeks Feedback on Ambulance Diversion
At the end of the Jan. 31 Ambulance Diversion Townhall, which included nearly 80 representatives from San Diego County, hospitals, fire districts, and emergency medical services (EMS) providers, San Diego County EMS shared an online form for attendees, stakeholders, and the community to submit additional feedback on ambulance diversion practices and policies. The form is […]
5 Things To Know: Emergency Services Office Welcomes Feedback on Industry Policies, Practices
The San Diego County EMS Office has posted several updates related to emergency medical service (EMS) programs and operations and seeks public comment on each of them. Topics include continuing education and scopes of practice for paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and emergency medical dispatch, as well as policies and a template for emergency medical dispatch […]
5 Things To Know: Critical Sept. 1 Deadline Approaching for AB 40 Compliance
All hospitals with emergency departments must submit their ambulance patient offload time (APOT) reduction protocol to the Emergency Medical Services Authority by Sept. 1 under Assembly Bill (AB) 40 (2023). The law requires hospitals to include mechanisms in the protocol that will improve hospital operations and reduce APOT.
San Diego’s Trauma System: Saving Lives for 40 Years
Sometimes a major success can fly under the radar. That’s why it’s important to recognize the 40th anniversary of the San Diego County Trauma System. On Aug. 1, 1984, the first trauma patient arrived at a trauma center. Since then, the system has resulted in reduced mortality and morbidity rates from traumatic injuries while becoming an example for trauma care systems around the world. The numbers tell the story:
Ambulance Patient Offload Time: A Critical Deadline is Just the Beginning
A major deadline looms for hospitals and our partners. On Sept. 1, hospitals are required to submit their Ambulance Patient Offload Time (APOT) reduction protocol under Assembly Bill (AB) 40. The standard is 30 minutes, 90% of the time for general, acute care hospitals with emergency departments (EDs).