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.
Influenza Information/Resources
Latest information from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other sources.
Illinois House EMS Task Force Report
In 2011, the Illinois House of Representatives appointed a 24-member Illinois House Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force. Co-chaired by Representatives Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee), the legislative task force held 17 hearings throughout the state. Hospitals and other EMS stakeholders provided insights on ways to improve the EMS system, contained in this report.
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 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.