Mountain State Times

In a move to improve emergency medical services, the West Virginia Department of Health has partnered with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and trauma-designated hospitals across the state to secure a grant aimed at enhancing trauma response coordination. This initiative seeks to streamline emergency care, which is expected to save time and improve outcomes for trauma patients.

The funding will support the implementation of a new, advanced trauma registry system that integrates data from 32 designated trauma centers throughout West Virginia. Many of these centers are local hospitals dedicated to improving patient care. The system, mandated by WV Legislative Rule §64-27-10.2, aims to address the needs of injured patients across the state, particularly in rural areas. It promises timely and effective trauma care while offering optimal and cost-effective healthcare solutions.

“Timely trauma care is critical in saving lives, especially in a state as geographically diverse as West Virginia,” stated DH Secretary Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFP. “This grant will not only improve data collection but will ​also enhance our ability to respond effectively to emergencies, ensuring that every resident receives the care they need when they need it.”

GHSP Director Jack McNeely remarked on the importance of post-crash care within the Safe System Approach: "Post-crash care is an integral part of the Safe System Approach, and this grant will ultimately help curb fatalities on West Virginia's public roadways."

The new registry was developed with assistance from the Rural Emergency Trauma Institute (RETI) and powered by ESO. It will provide essential data for assessing patient care processes and outcomes. This comprehensive database is expected to be a cornerstone for ongoing improvements in trauma care by helping medical professionals identify performance issues and educational needs.

The Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) obtained this grant through the Governor’s Highway Safety Fund by utilizing data from an existing registry. OEMS Director Joseph Ratliff noted, “This funding will help us not only enhance trauma care but also contribute to broader safety efforts across the state.”

With this upgraded registry system in place, collaborative efforts between various entities including the Department of Health, OEMS, local hospitals, and GHSP aim to ensure top-level emergency care for all residents of West Virginia.