![[photo, John M. Murphy Building, 653 West Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/25ind/images/1198-1-667.jpg)
The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems is governed by the State Emergency Medical Services Board. Created in 1993, the Board develops and implements an emergency medical system plan for Maryland. The plan defines criteria for designating trauma facilities; guidelines for emergency medical services; improved communications and transportation; public information and education programs; and a system to evaluate emergency care in Maryland.
Eleven members constitute the Board. Nine are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor. Two serve ex officio. The Governor names the chair (Code Education Article, sec. 13-505).
John M. Murphy Building, 653 West Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland, February 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
The Council's thirty-one members are appointed by the State Emergency Medical Services Board with the Governor's approval. Annually, Council members elect a chair with the Governor's approval (Code Education Article, sec. 13-511).
For emergency medical systems, the Institute provides leadership and direction, conducts and supports educational programs, and operates and maintains a statewide communications system. The Institute licenses and regulates commercial ambulance services, and designates trauma and specialty-care centers. In addition, it assists the State Emergency Medical Services Board to review budgets of agencies receiving funds from its operations fund; develop and promulgate regulations and protocols; and license, certify, and discipline emergency medical services providers.
The work of this agency is overseen by the Executive Director. With the Governor's approval, the Executive Director is appointed by the State Emergency Medical Services Board (Code Education Article, secs. 13-501 through 13-515).
Three main divisions conduct the work of the Institute: Field Operations and Regional Programs; Information Technology and Communications; and Policy, Regulations, and Government Affairs.
The Task Force on Ambulance Safety was formed by the Executive Director in June 2010. The Task Force promotes the advancement of ambulance safety and looks for ways to reduce ambulance accidents in Maryland. It monitors trends in ambulance crash incidents and considers how to address future ambulance safety issues common to all jurisdictions.
A November 2011 report submitted by the Task Force recommended a number of new policies. Among these were better screening and training of ambulance drivers; increased use of restraints and seat belts; reduction of excessive ambulance speeds; and better enforcement of safety practices.
This division coordinates the disaster preparedness and emergency management responsibilities of the Institute. It works with other governmental units on homeland security, bioterrorism, public health, and emergency response planning. Through five regional offices, the Institute monitors the operations of the emergency management system in each area of the State and supports local responders to coordinate health and medical resources.
With the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Institute also labors to prepare the health and medical system response to possible terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction in Maryland. The response plan coordinates the activities of hospitals, public health agencies, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire and rescue in the event of such an attack.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
Under this division are Communications; Data Management; the Emergency Medical Resource Center (EMRC) and Systems Communications (SYSCOM); and Information Technology.
COMMUNICATIONS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESOURCE CENTER (EMRC)
Systems Communications provides helicopter dispatch and monitoring. In conjunction with the Department of State Police, it coordinates the transport of critically ill or injured patients by helicopter to area hospitals. It facilitates communication by Med-Evac paramedics with receiving hospitals.
This division is responsible for four programs: Commercial Ambulance Licensing and Regulation; Emergency Medical Services for Children; Health Facilities and Special Programs; and Licensure and Certification.
COMMERCIAL AMBULANCE LICENSING & REGULATION
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN
HEALTH FACILITIES & SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The designation and evaluation of hospitals providing pre-hospital emergency care within the statewide emergency medical services system is overseen by Health Facilities and Special Programs. Based on capacity and resources, the office verifies that hospitals are equipped to serve as trauma or specialty referral centers, and monitors their performance.
Within the State emergency system are 48 hospital emergency departments; 9 adult and 2 pediatric trauma centers; and 32 hospitals delivering specialized care. They treat victims of burns, eye trauma, hand injuries, head and spinal cord injuries, strokes, perinatal and neonatal emergencies, and poisonings.
LICENSURE & CERTIFICATION
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TASK FORCE ON AMBULANCE SAFETY
FIELD OPERATIONS & REGIONAL PROGRAMS
Field Operations and Regional Programs was established in 2004 as Emergency Operations. In 2007, it merged with Regional Programs to form Emergency Operations and Regional Programs. In 2009, it reformed under its present name.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS
Information Technology and Communications started as Information Technology, reorganized as Information Management in 2004, and resumed its original name in 2007. It reformed under its present name in 2009.
Communications oversees the operation and expansion of the State's centralized emergency medical communications system. It provides equipment and support to understaffed and rural jurisdictions to speed responsiveness, improve treatment before reaching a hospital, and direct patients to facilities with treatment programs appropriate to the injury.
& SYSTEMS COMMUNICATIONS (SYSCOM)
The Emergency Medical Resource Center coordinates medical consultation between emergency personnel at the scene and hospital physicians. In case of multiple victims, the Center enables the prehospital provider to contact more than one receiving hospital at one time.
POLICY, REGULATIONS, & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Policy, Regulations, and Government Affairs organized as Programs and Government Affairs in 2007. It reformed under its present name in 2009.
Organized in 1993, Commercial Ambulance Licensing and Regulation develops and oversees requirements for commercial ambulance services and vehicles. The office licenses companies to provide levels of care, inspects emergency transport vehicles, and monitors quality assurance reviews and transport safety. It also assists with respiratory protection measures, health immunizations, and training practices.
Emergency Medical Services for Children develops guidelines and resources for pediatric care, pediatric emergency care, and facility regulation. For caregivers providing services to children in or out of the hospital, the office coordinates education and training. Emergency Medical Services for Children also works with other State and local agencies and organizations to improve child health and prevent illness and injuries.
Health Facilities and Special Programs originated as Hospital Programs. In 2007, it merged with Special Programs to form Health Facilities and Special Programs. In 2009, it reorganized as Trauma and Specialty Care Programs, and returned to its present name in 2011.
Licensure and Certification organized in 2004 as Licensing and Medical Programs. It reformed as Licensing and Compliance in 2007, and received its present name in 2011.
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e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us