Developing trauma care systems: a nursing perspective

Emergency medical services (EMS)/trauma care systems offer unique opportunities for nurse administrators in community hospitals and medical centers to encourage a professional practice model for the department of nursing. The development of local and regional EMS/trauma services involves nurse administrators and their staffs in the legislative process; community networking; program planning, operation, and evaluation; and clinical research. This, the first in a series of articles, reviews the history of trauma care in America, explains the process of regionalization and designation as provided for in the proposed federal legislation, discusses appropriate roles and responsibilities for nurse leaders in trauma care systems, and outlines planning and operational functions for nursing departments in designated trauma care facilities.