The Right Patient, the Right Place, the Right Time

A Look at Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Policy in the States

A trauma system is designed to provide a continuum of intensive medical services that begins immediately following a traumatic injury and continues through hospital discharge.  The emergency medical services system (EMS) is an integral part of a trauma system providing rapid response to emergencies, prehospital emergency care, and transportation to an appropriate medical facility.

Trauma systems vary by state. This report examines five key components of trauma systems in each state including: trauma center designation process, the existence of trauma or EMS advisory groups, trauma registry use, state funding sources, and federal funding sources. Please click on a state for specific state information. Please click here for a complete 50-state table.

Authority explicitly given to state agency or board through statute Identified through administrative/regulatory code Not identified in statute or regulation Other If unable to see the map, please click here. NCSL Trauma Systems Resources Trauma Systems Video and Primer EMS and Primary Care NCSL Staff Contact Health Program