Introduction
The Washington Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Act of 1990 declared that it was in the best interest of the citizens of Washington to establish an efficient and well-coordinated statewide emergency medical services and trauma care system. A statewide Emergency Medical Services Communications System is a part of such a system that will ensure these goals become reality.
One mandate of the legislation was the establishment of the Department of Health's Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems (OEMS/TS). As one of its goals, the OEMS/TS was directed to develop a statewide Emergency Communications Plan. The objective is the development, implementation and continuous improvement of a statewide EMS communications system.
The Department of Health established the Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems in 1990. Sections in the OEMS/TS include: Education, Training and Regional Support; Prevention and System Analysis; Trauma Service System Development, and Licensing and Certification. The Communications Consultant position in the OEMS/TS is the result of the Washington Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Act of 1990, that directed the Department of Health to develop minimum standards for an effective emergency medical communications system.
Chapter 246-976 WAC directed the Department of Health to develop a statewide EMS Communications Plan. Additionally, the development of minimum standards or guidelines was directed for communications equipment and telecommunicator training. The OEMS/TS contracted for a statewide EMS communications study. This study assessed the status of EMS communications systems in Washington. It found that the quality of EMS communications differed considerably throughout the state. Minimum management levels for a statewide EMS Communications System Program were recommended. Also, recommended was the creation of a full-time Communications Consultant position in the OEMS/TS. The Governor's Steering Committee on EMS and Trauma Systems has made recommendations on desirable capabilities for a statewide EMS Communications System. These and other recommendations have been incorporated in the development of this Plan.
The development and implementation of a statewide EMS Communications System will provide a means to make the entire emergency medical services and trauma systems operate more efficiently. Ultimately, the goal is the development of a statewide EMS Communications System that ensures that all citizens receive quality trauma care.
During emergencies - local, state, and national - the importance of our country's telecommunications and broadcast systems becomes clear. We use our phones to call 911 or to call our family members to make sure they are safe; we turn on our televisions and radios to get information updates.
While there is no doubt that our country has one of the world's most extensive and dependable telecommunications and broadcast systems, unusual conditions can put a strain on them.
The following information will help you better understand what happens within the telecommunications and broadcast systems during an emergency and how best to use these systems during a crisis or disaster.
Emergency Communications Components
There are three main components to emergency communications:
-911 telephone call processing and delivery through the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) and wireless call dispatch;
-the Emergency Alert System; and
-radio and/or broadcast or cable television station news and updates.
All of these components must operate effectively in order to achieve a successful response to an emergency.
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/emergencies.html
Home | About HSI | Mission | Staff | News | Courses | ERIFS | On Line | Classroom | Trainer Database | Training Links | HSI Projects | Credentialing | Gap Analysis | Standards | Disciplines | NIMS ICS | Planning Tools | Volcanos | Contact HSI