(a) Prehospital (EMS) radio report.
- (1) The trauma center shall monitor the EMS communications system at all times.
- (2) In the event of a trauma patient being transported, the EMS report shall be transmitted by the EMS provider to the ED of the receiving hospital fifteen (15) minutes prior to arrival at the facility.
- (3) If transport time is less than fifteen (15) minutes, contact shall be made as far in advance of arrival as possible.
- (4) The trauma center is required to maintain an up-to-date, accurate, and complete representation of capability and capacity on the ATCC dashboard.
- (b) Implementation of a trauma activation protocol. Based upon the information received, the trauma facility triage nurse or other appropriate medical control officer shall activate the trauma activation protocol for that facility as outlined in 20 CAR § 80-303.
- (c) Trauma patients not meeting the trauma triage criteria. These patients shall undergo appropriate ED screening and evaluation as prescribed by state protocol and CMS/EMTALA requirements.
- (d) Reevaluation of trauma patient and activation. A trauma patient whose condition deteriorates or is found to have significant injuries not detected in the initial evaluation shall be reclassified, and the trauma team shall be activated.
(e)
- (1) Trauma patients requiring transfer shall be identified as soon as possible, and the ATCC shall be contacted for transfer as soon as it is evident that the patient’s needs exceed the capability and capacity of the facility.
- (2) Ongoing stabilization may be required following the request to transfer.
- (3) A decision to transfer shall not be dependent upon a complete/partial patient workup.
- (f) A transferring hospital shall utilize telemedicine when requested to do so by the receiving facility or the ATCC.