Trauma System
Every year approximately 3,000 trauma victims are treated within the Contra Costa trauma system. Traumatic injury causes significant disability and death and affects all age groups and communities. Improved trauma outcome and survival relies on a coordinated "system" of trauma care.
The Contra Costa County Trauma System was developed and approved by the Board of Supervisors in 1985. The Trauma System Plan was approved later that year by the California State Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA). The John Muir Trauma Center has been designated as the County's sole Level II Trauma Center since 1986 and is accredited by the American College of Surgeons. Contra Costa County recognizes UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland as the County's designated pediatric trauma center.
Coordination and oversight of trauma system care in the following ways:
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There is a coordinated plan to support Trauma response throughout the county. See the plan.
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Contra Costa complies with State regulations and guidelines for trauma.
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The designation of John Muir Medical Center-Walnut Creek as the single Level II trauma center to serve all of Contra Costa County.
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EMS policies and treatment guidelines to support the destination decision and the re-triage of all major trauma patients to a designated trauma center.
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Use of air ambulance services to reduce trauma transport times.
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Maintenance of a trauma registry to track trauma system and its performance.
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Participate in a bi-county quarterly trauma audit committee (quality assurance and improvement) with Alameda County Emergency Medical Services to assure outside expert review of the trauma system.