Trauma System

Trauma Triage/Trauma Point of Entry

The Statewide Trauma Triage Plan establishes minimum criteria for identifying trauma patients and the expectation that these patients shall enter the “trauma system” and receive rapid definitive trauma care at appropriate hospitals.  Under the Code of Virginia § 32.1-111.3, The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), has been charged with the responsibility of maintaining a Statewide Trauma Triage Plan.  This plan is to include prehospital and inter-hospital patient transfers.  EMS Regulation 12 VAC 5-31-390 states that all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies shall participate in the trauma triage plan.

Statewide Trauma Triage Plan-1 2011

Code Virginia Mandating Trauma Triage

Revised May 2023 OEMS State Trauma Triage Algorithm 

Code of Virginia requiring Trauma QA/QI/PI

EMS Regulation Mandating Trauma Triage (12VAC5-31-390)

OEMS Complaint Report Form

American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma System Consultation

Between September 1, 2015 and September 4, 2015 the Office of EMS underwent a voluntary state trauma system assessment conducted by representatives of the ACS.  The ACS utilizes the Model Trauma System Planning and Evaluation guide that utilizes a public health approach to trauma system development and maintenance.

The consultation team performed an “exit interview” and verbally provided an overview of those items they deemed as priority issues in Virginia.  You may download the video of the exit interview at the following link:

ACS Trauma System Consultation Visit Exit Interview 9/4/2015 (37 minutes):

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YrNpTHxc-U

Full written report: Virginia ACS Statewide Trauma System Report

After review of the report the Trauma System Oversight and Management Committee was tasked by the EMS Advisory Board Executive Committee to develop a strategic plan to address the recommendation.  Details of the work to date can be found at: Trauma System Plan Task Force

Commonwealth of Virginia Trauma System Plan 2018

Trauma Related Links and Documents

C.O.D.E.S (Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System)

American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma

National Trauma Data Bank

National Trauma Data Standard

American Trauma Society

CDC Injury Prevention and Control

NHTSA’s Office of Emergency Medical Services

Last Updated: April 23, 2024