FAQ's
Q: Am I required to take trauma patients to a trauma center?
A: Yes, if the patient meets any one of the criteria deliniated in the Major Trauma Protocols.
NYS Bureau of EMS Policy Statement 06-01 Emergency Patient Destinations and Hospital Diversion
NYS DOH Bureau of EMS and Trauma Systems - Statewide Basic Life Support Adult and Pediatric Treatment Protocols - Trauma Patient Destination
Q: What should we do when Upstate Emergency Department is on diversion?
A: Upstate does not close to Trauma when the ED is on diversion. You should continue to follow your ALS and BLS protocols and bring trauma patients to the Trauma Center.
Q: Do I need to notify with my interfacility-transfer ETA?
A: Please notify Upstate ED as soon as possible and minimally with an ETA of 15 minutes for all trauma patients (scene or inter-facility). It is our goal to have the trauma team at the bedside when the patient arrives and your ETA helps us in accomplishing this goal.
Q: What should we do if our ETA is less than 15 minutes from the scene and we have a critical trauma patient?
A: Immediately notify Upstate that you are enroute with a major trauma. This will allow us to activate the Trauma Team. We recognize that you may not have time to give a detailed report enroute.
Q: What is the best way to contact Upstate ED?
A: Please contact Upstate ED via Onondaga Fire Control - MED 10 - (315) 435-1600 - 155.340
Q: Can we activate the Trauma Team from the field?
A: Yes. During notification, state that you have a major trauma field activation.
Q: Which patients should we request a field activation for?
A: Use the ASAP critera listed above.