Suffolk County RTAC Trauma Prenotification Training

*This training is open to ALL Suffolk County EMS providers.

The goal of this Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (RTAC) Performance Improvement Project (PIP) is to have a trauma surgeon present in the trauma center during EMS handoff of the most critical trauma patients, allowing closed-loop communication between providers and the trauma team, thus reducing the loss of critical information and optimizing patient safety in accordance with the American College of Surgeon requirement for Trauma Centers. 

EMS recognition of the CDC’s 2011 Guidelines for Field Triage of the Injured Patient “Box 1&2” trauma patients and compliance with the 15 minute pre-notification to trauma centers will result in the trauma surgeon being present in the ED upon patient handoff.  Standardized bedside report at handoff from EMS providers to the trauma team will enhance information exchange, minimize frequency and impact of errors, expedite care and improve patient safety. 

This collaborative regional inter-disciplinary performance improvement project promotes clear communication, and effective coordination among EMS and the regional trauma centers.