Trauma System Development (RTABS)

Trauma system development and implementation is a proven method to improve survival and reduce complications after traumatic injury.  A trauma system provides an organized multidisciplinary approach to the potentially complex injuries of the trauma patient. 

Oklahoma is undertaking system development using an inclusive system model, meaning the plan addresses the needs of all injured patients and is inclusive of small hospitals as well as large trauma centers.

The components of the Trauma System can be grouped into the following categories:

• Administration - Persons designated to develop the plan and provide input and oversight.
• Pre-hospital care - Development of standard guidelines used in the pre-hospital setting in the care of trauma patients.
• Hospital care - Determination of standard guidelines used in the hospital setting in the care of trauma patients.
• Rehabilitation - Ensuring access to quality rehabilitation for trauma patients.
• Data - Collection of data for utilization in trauma system development and system evaluation.
• Education and Advocacy - Providing information about the needs of our trauma system to providers, the public and policy makers.

Trauma regional boundaries which parallel the Homeland Security regions with minor changes were approved following considerable discussion between State Health Department staff, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma State Trauma Advisory Council, the Oklahoma Emergency Response Systems Development Advisory Council, and other interested parties.  Each of the eight trauma regions (see map) has a Regional Trauma Advisory Board charged with developing a Regional Trauma Plan and Continuous Quality Improvement activities.  

Information:

Brandon R. Bowen, MSM, Trauma and Systems Director, brandonb@health.ok.gov        

Sean Oats, NREMT-P, BT, Trauma Systems Coordinator, seano@health.ok.gov                                                           

Susan R. Harper, NREMT-I, EMS Administrator, susanrh@health.ok.gov

Jeremy McQuerry, NREMT-B, EMS Administrator, jeremym@health.ok.gov

James Wilkins, NREMT-P, EMS Administrator, jamesw@health.ok.gov

David Graham, NREMT-P, EMS Administrator, davidg@health.ok.gov