 EMS
2000 Brochure
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It all happens so
quickly, and with such professionalism. But the behind the
scenes support of this team is also extraordinary. Coordinating
EMS providers -- offering continuing education to emergency
medical services personnel -- facilitating communication between
hospitals and EMS -- educating the public on how to access this
care.
It's a big job. And that's what the Emergency Medical Services
and Trauma Care Council is all about. It's local people donating
their time in a cooperative effort to coordinate and improve
emergency medical services in Whatcom County communities.
Commitment to Education
The Council sponsors a wide variety
of education and prevention programs that served both the
community and the professional emergency caregiver.
Since 1981 the EMS and Trauma Care Council has sponsored the
Annual Conference on Pre-Hospital Medicine. This conference is
the second largest EMS conference in Washington State.
The Council regulates Whatcom County Emergency Medical Service
training, including Emergency Technician Training.
The Council also manages the Whatcom County CISD (Critical
Incident Stress Debriefing) Program that provides debriefings
following critical incidents for emergency response agencies.
Through the Education Committee, the Council sponsors various
on-going trainings for emergency medical responders, to include:
Defibrillation training,
Standardized annual training for EMTs and First Responders,
Approval of county EMS instructors,
And quality assurance standards
The Council participates in community trainings, such as CPR
(Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
Cooperation
among Agencies
The Council supports services such
as 911 and other programs that increase public participation and
access to Emergency Medical Services. In addition, the council
has completed the first phase of a countywide plan for emergency
medical services.
The Council's role as liaison provides Whatcom County with the
opportunity to make recommendations regarding local needs to the
Washington State Department of Health. The Council works closely
with the North Region EMS and Trauma Care Council, an agency
composed of councils from Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit,
and Whatcom counties. Together, these counties have developed a
comprehensive Trauma Care System for the North Region, which is
reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the needs of the
public are met.
Communicating
the Spirit of Volunteerism
Volunteers are still the
backbone of both EMS and the EMS and Trauma Council;
approximately 65% of all emergency medical service providers are
volunteers. The Council is composed of volunteers representing
pre-hospital, hospital, education, fire fighting, law
enforcement, industry and the public at large.
Supporting EMS
since 1972
The Emergency Medical Service and Trauma Care
Council is a non-profit advisory board that offers direction and
support to the Emergency Medical Services System of Whatcom
County. The Council is part of a nationwide network of advisory
boards promoted by the Federal Emergency Medical Services Act of
1973. These councils assist local EMS providers with long-range
planning, education and prevention programs. In addition, the
EMS Council facilitates communication among EMS providers, state
and local government, and the Washington State Department of
Health.
EMS and Trauma
Care Council:
Coordinating and Supporting A Countywide EMS System
An EMS system is
defined as one " . . . which provides for the organized
arrangement of trained personnel, facilities and equipment for
the effective and coordinated delivery of health care under
emergency conditions (occurring either as a result of the
patient's condition or of natural disaster)."
-American Trauma Society
Whatcom County
EMS & Trauma Care Council Mission
The mission of the Whatcom County Emergency
Medical Services Council is to help reduce the morbidity and
mortality associated with trauma and acute illness, by working
to enhance the quality of patient care that is cost effective to
the community served.
Whatcom County EMS and Trauma Care Council meetings are open to
the public. For more information about meetings, programs and
services, call the Council office at (360) 715-6418 or email
wcemsc@nas.com.
The Council accepts contributions to support its services. The
Council pursues grants to finance programs, services and special
projects. The Council also receives funds through contributions. |
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