Bill Overview
Title: Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and modifies activities of the Department of Health and Human Services related to trauma care. Specific changes include requiring the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response to develop guidance for and otherwise support states (and consortia of states) to coordinate and improve emergency medical services and trauma care during declared emergencies. The bill also expands eligibility for and revises (1) grants for improving emergency medical services and trauma care in rural areas, and (2) competitive grants for improving regional emergency medical and trauma systems.
Sponsors: Rep. O'Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]
Target Audience
Population: People who may require emergency medical attention
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill addresses the improvement of trauma care systems.
- Emergency medical services and trauma care are critical for public health and safety.
- The bill targets improvements nationwide, impacting all individuals who may require emergency medical attention.
- During declared emergencies, such as natural disasters or pandemics, the need for coordinated trauma care increases.
- By focusing on rural areas and regional system enhancement, the bill aims to improve access to emergency services in less densely populated areas.
Reasoning
- The policy targets trauma care systems, affecting emergency medical services primarily in rural and underserved regions, where services may be lacking.
- Rural populations, often with limited access to healthcare, may benefit significantly from such initiatives.
- Individuals who have experienced trauma or live in high-risk areas for emergencies will likely see improved outcomes.
- Urban residents may not see significant changes due to already established systems, unless during major emergencies.
- The policy requires significant funding, but its impact would vary based on existing infrastructure and regional needs.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Rural Iowa)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I sometimes worry about not getting emergency help quickly due to our remote location.
- Improved trauma care could mean faster response times for my family and workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Urban Texas)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great for rural areas, but my access is already pretty good.
- We could always use more efficiency, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Teacher (Suburban Ohio)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extra support would be crucial if there's a natural disaster here.
- It's comforting to know that during emergencies, we'll be better coordinated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Homemaker (Rural Montana)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We always hear about help too late, so anything faster is better.
- In emergencies, every second counts, especially for my elderly parents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Firefighter (Suburban New Jersey)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that improves communication and speeds up response is welcomed.
- Could assist remote areas in New Jersey during disasters.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Rural Idaho)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's difficult to manage in emergencies as we can't get immediate care.
- An updated system might ease my family's worries about my health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
College Student (Rural Alaska)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often fear not getting help quickly if I get hurt out here.
- Reassured that my community might see better care in emergencies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Paramedic (Urban California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This should boost our capabilities in large-scale situations.
- I'm glad that more remote colleagues might get needed support too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Nurse (Rural Mississippi)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could mean better resources and faster transfers for my patients.
- Support for rural areas like ours is much needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Rural Vermont)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Emergency services are crucial when you're so far from everything.
- We hope to see faster responses when accidents happen due to this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 2: $1100000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1300000000)
Year 3: $1150000000 (Low: $950000000, High: $1350000000)
Year 5: $1250000000 (Low: $1050000000, High: $1450000000)
Year 10: $1400000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1300000000, High: $1700000000)
Key Considerations
- The geographic and demographic distribution of trauma care improvements may affect cost variability.
- The capacity for states to effectively leverage federal support could impact the success and cost-effectiveness of the program.
- Balancing immediate emergency needs with long-term healthcare infrastructure developments is critical.