Emergency Preparedness and Response
Illinois hospitals play an active role in our emergency response system, working in concert with EMS and other partners to provide the people of Illinois a wide array of emergency services. Illinois' Emergency Response System includes the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System, EMS for Children (EMS-C), trauma system, and preparedness response.
New IDPH Public Health and Medical Services Response Regions
To better align hospitals and local health departments, the Illinois Department of Public Health has developed emergency preparedness and response regions for use during activation of the state's incident response center. The new Public Health and Medical Services Response Regions will not replace existing EMS regions or MOUs. IDPH will start transitioning to the new regions starting January 1, 2012.
2011 EMS Task Force Hearings
The Illinois General Assembly passed House Resolution 230, which directs the House of Representatives to assemble a 24-member House Task Force on Emergency Medical Services Funding. This task force, co-chaired by Representatives Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee), will hold hearings throughout the state. The group is directed to formulate practical, timely and strategic guidance on how to improve EMS equipment, funding, training, manpower, cost savings, and communications within Illinois. Following completion of the hearings, the task force will submit a report of recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2012.
Emergency Response System Resources
Emergent Stroke Response
The Illinois General Assembly in 2009 passed HB2244, allowing the creation of stroke systems of care in Illinois. The law identifies hospitals capable of providing emergent stroke care (Primary Stroke Centers and Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals), and directs EMS providers to transport possible acute stroke patients to these hospitals. IHA is working with the American Heart Association and the Illinois Department of Public Health to create preliminary regulation that will enact the landmark legislation. Following completion of the regulatory process, IDPH will begin designating hospitals as Primary Stroke Centers and Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals.
IDPH 2010 Strategic Plan
The Illinois Department of Public Health convened a large group of stakeholders in 2007 to develop a strategic plan for Illinois' Emergency Response System, inclusive of EMS, trauma, and preparedness activities. IHA has convened a joint member task force with the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council (MCHC) to explore the plan's recommendations and develop policy positions.