DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 29, 2004 DHSS-153-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Karryl McManus, Deputy Secretary (302) 255-9047, Pager (302) 247-2116 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE'S EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEM RECEIVES POSITIVE REVIEW
Medical Direction, Personnel, Data System Among State's Strengths
Delaware's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system has evolved into a robust network of resources with key infrastructure, medical direction, and nationally certified personnel, according to a report compiled by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)and received by Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) on Dec. 15. Two of the six reviewers were part of the 1993 assessment and noted "significant and commendable" changes.
The NHTSA report reviews ten essential components of an optimal EMS system; regulation and policy, resource management, human resources and training, transportation, facilities, communications, public information, education and prevention, medical direction, trauma systems, evaluation of operations and domestic preparedness. Delaware's system was found to have a strong team of medical directors and well-trained transport staff. The state has implemented a cutting-edge information system that collects electronic case reports from emergency medical technicians responding by ambulance, allowing evaluation of a wide array of patient care and response data.
The state EMS system is monitored by the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Oversight Council (DEMSOC) with operational support from DPH's Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). Established in 1999, DEMSOC is a council appointed by the governor to ensure that Delaware's EMS system functions in a coordinated, effective and efficient manner to reduce state morbidity and mortality rates. The council is charged with conducting a complete review of the EMS system every five years, and invited the NHTSA technical assistance team to conduct this review.
NHTSA recommendations for the Delaware EMS system include:
- Developing a system-wide five-year plan
- Creating a plan to continue developing the state's innovative EMS information system which facilitates documentation and quality assurance
- Developing a plan to work with the legislature to seek dedicated funding to the state system.
"The technical assistance team gave us a tool that will be very useful in determining the future direction of our EMS system," said Steven Blessing, DPH's State EMS Director.
DEMSOC appointed a subcommittee to review the report in detail and develop specific recommendations for future action. The subcommittee final report is expected by March 15, 2005.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
