Hello class,

Working as a nurse in a Level 1 trauma center gives me firsthand insight into how policy decisions can directly impact patient care, particularly as we handle the most serious trauma cases in our region. Attending the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council Meeting for the EMS is beneficial for me to stay informed about EMS regulations and their protocol on things like MVC’s, strokes, or traumas . As a critical care provider, knowledge of what happens before trauma patients arrive is crucial to my role. In these policy discussions, nurses can offer critical perspectives on real-world implications, advocating for policies that improve patient access and care quality. Given our experience at the frontline, we can also ensure that patient needs are prioritized in policy development. Moreover, emphasizing the importance of continued education and interdisciplinary collaboration can further enhance patient outcomes, advocating for policies that support teamwork among EMS and other healthcare professionals. These contributions can help shape policies that are practical, patient-centered, and supportive of the healthcare team.

References:

Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee 157 Workgroup Meeting Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Agenda | Texas Health and Human Services. (2025, March 11). https://www.hhs.texas.gov/about/communications-events/meetings-events/2025/03/11/governors-ems-trauma-advisory-council-getac-emergency-medical-services-ems-committee-157-workgroupLinks to an external site.

Johnson G. (2016). Trauma Triage and Trauma System Performance. The western journal of emergency medicine, 17(3), 331–332. https://doi.org/10.5811/westjem.2016.2.29900