South Dakota Trauma System Manual

Summary
Legislation enacted in 2008 enabled the Department of Health, with input from the Department of Public Safety, to develop, implement, and administer a trauma care system, including a statewide trauma registry that involves all hospitals and emergency medical services within the state.

A trauma system is an organized response to managing and improving the care of severely injured people. It spans the continuum-of-care from prevention, pre-hospital care, acute care to rehabilitation. It has been established to ensure that injured people are promptly transported to and treated at facilities appropriate to the severity of their injury. A trauma system also provides a foundation for disaster preparedness and response. As part of its day-to-day activities, a trauma system coordinates the movement and care of severely injured people.

Overview
Following legislation in 2008 and subsequent Administrative Rules adoption in 2009, every healthcare facility in South Dakota has been designated as a Trauma Hospital; thirty-one presentations have overviewed the development and vision of the trauma system; every ambulance service has completed a trauma transportation plan; and, standards including Trauma Alert Patient and Trauma Team Activation criteria have been implemented. A state trauma website has been developed and a state trauma registry has been implemented to capture data meeting inclusion criteria for subsequent analysis.

The successful efforts of many have ensured trauma care in South Dakota meets state and national standards for the safety and care of the injured patient. Through ongoing development and performance improvement, the state Trauma System will continually advance as healthcare facilities further mature and improve upon individual trauma systems.