Regional Council Information

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Introduction

Eight EMS and Trauma System Regions are made up of local and regional councils. This component of the trauma system represents local interests, and establishes the development of the trauma system as a grass roots effort. The regions are supported by grants from the state office and are charged with developing the regional plan, regional patient care procedures, prevention and public education programs to address regional injury problems, etc.

The regional plans are the cornerstone in the development of the state's trauma system. These in-depth implementation guidelines and goals are included as separate volumes to this document. They address issues pertaining to demographics, education and training, communication, quality assurance, prevention and public education, prehospital services, acute and rehabilitation facilities, and patient care procedures. In short, they address four fundamental questions:

• What are the causes of trauma and how can they be prevented?
• Is the region's trauma care system readily accessible?
• Is the system efficient and effective?
• What is needed to improve the system?

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Regional Contracts

In accordance with RCW 70.168, the Department of Health, Office of EMS and Trauma Prevention contracts with the eight Regional EMS and Trauma Care Councils in Washington state to provide funds for regional assessment, planning, and implementation of EMS and trauma system building activities. Contracting is done on an annual basis (each state fiscal year, July 1 through June 30).

The scope of work outlined in regional contracts is divided into two components: development and clinical/operational activities. Development activities encompass the review, development, and implementation of regional patient care procedures and mutual aid agreements, assessment of the regional EMS communications system, and participation in local and regional disaster planning. Regions are also expected to facilitate communication among facilities and DOH on issues regarding trauma designation.

The clinical/operational contract activities include the assessment and prioritization of regional injury prevention/public education (IPPE) needs and implementation of appropriate IPPE programs. Regions also coordinate and implement training for volunteer EMS personnel.  Assessment of the region’s prehospital services and support for local EMS councils is also required under the contract.

Each regional council is comprised of volunteer members representing all areas of the EMS and trauma system: hospital, prehospital, local EMS councils and local government, law enforcement, communications, and the consumer. Council activities are coordinated and administered by regional administrators and/or office managers, trainers, and injury prevention specialists. The eight regions and their counties are:

• Central Region: King County
• East Region: Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties
• North Region: Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties
• North Central Region: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties
• Northwest Region: Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason Counties
• South Central Region: Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Walla Walla, and Yakima Counties
• Southwest Region: Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, S. Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum Counties
• West Region: Grays Harbor, Lewis, N. Pacific, Pierce, and Thurston Counties

Regional Council Chairs and Administrative Staff

Apply to be a member of your Regional EMS and Trauma Care Council

Complete the Regional Council Membership Application to be considered for a DOH appointment to your Regional EMS and Trauma Care Council.