DATE:
August 27, 2024
13
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
RECEIVE REPORTS DETAILING A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF THE COUNTY'S BASE STATION HOSPITALS AND TRAUMA CENTER CATCHMENT AREA DESIGNATIONS, AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO COORDINATE WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS TO JOINTLY DEVELOP AND PILOT CHANGES FROM THE REPORTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The San Diego County Emergency Medical Services Office (County EMS), a division of San Diego County Fire, is the Board of Supervisors-designated Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA), as identified by Board Policy K-12 under California Health and Safety Code 1797.200 and is responsible for ongoing oversight of the region's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. The LEMSA medical director is responsible for the establishment of effective medical direction processes and quality improvement programs, among other critical oversight functions (HSC 1798 (a)). This oversight includes the designation of Base Station Hospitals, Trauma Center Hospitals, and Trauma Catchment Areas. Seven of the 22 emergency department hospitals in the region are also Base Station Hospitals, which provide real-time medical direction to EMS professionals responding to 9-1-1 calls in the field and assist in directing patients to their final destinations. A Trauma Center provides specialized care to patients suffering from significant traumatic injuries. Trauma Center Hospitals vary in their specific capabilities, are identified by level designations, and have defined geographic boundaries known as Trauma Catchment Areas, which determine where paramedics will transport a patient with significant traumatic injuries for specialized trauma care.
On November 17, 2020 (20), and February 9, 2021 (5), the Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to develop a plan for a comprehensive evaluation of the Base Station Hospital system and Trauma Center Catchment Area Designations. The Base Hospital System ...
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