What's New
Neurovascular Stroke Receiving Center (NSRC) Award
The National Association of Counties (NACO) recently awarded San Bernardino County and ICEMA with an Achievement Award for its Neurovascular Stroke Receiving Centers (NSRC) program. The award recognizes the improvements made in patient care through the rapid identification of stroke symptoms and transportation to recognized stroke receiving centers in San Bernardino County. While this is a county award, it would not have been possible without the dedication and ongoing collaborative efforts from numerous hospitals and EMS providers throughout San Bernardino County. ICEMA wishes to thank everyone who participated in making this award possible.
ICEMA and State of California
Sign Contract for Electronic Data Repository of EMS and Trauma Data
ICEMA and the State of California EMS Authority (EMSA) recently entered into an Agreement to allow ICEMA to serve as a statewide data repository for electronic patient care reports (ePCR) and Trauma reporting for California’s 33 local EMS agencies (LEMSAs). The data repository will provide a bridge through which data will eventually be reported to NEMSIS (www.nemsis.org). In 2007, ICEMA deployed its first ePCR data system which collected over a million records from local EMS agencies. In 2012, ICEMA upgraded its software to ImageTrend’s Rescue Bridge. This upgrade allows users to have a modern, robust system and includes the ability to report NFIRS data from local Fire Departments. Additionally, ImageTrend’s patient registry allows for data to be collected for Trauma patients for reporting to the National Trauma Registry at the Federal Level.
This multi-year Agreement will allow ePCR data and Hospital based trauma data to be retained in a single data repository where the latest technology and disaster backup resources are available and ready should the need arise.
ImageTrend, Inc. is an award-winning software company in Lakeville, Minnesota, devoted to maintaining a high level of innovation, excellence and quality in its products, service and community. ImageTrend’s Web-based applications serve a variety of industries, including government, medical, human resources, business, education and non-profit organizations. ImageTrend combines business analysis, creative design and database-driven architecture to offer the best web applications and strategies.
AHRQ's Health Care Innovations Exchange Focuses on Strategies to Address Frequent ED Use
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Health Care Innovations Exchange webpage features three programs that implemented various strategies to provide, manage, and coordinate care and social services for individuals who are frequent emergency department (ED) users. All three programs led to improved outcomes and reductions in ED use. The section on Quality Tools includes information about a campaign in Washington State to help reduce preventable ED visits and redirect care to the most appropriate setting; tools for ED staff in managing care for specific groups of ED "super users;" and a toolkit to help organizations plan, develop, and sustain medical respite programs.
Announcements
ICEMA ePCR Workgroup - Do you have questions, or would like to know more about using ePCR? ICEMA will be hosting (8) open forums for all ePCR users during the year 2014. Select link to view the ePCR Workgroup 2014 Meeting Schedule.
ICEMA is now accepting Online Applications for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) - Initial Certification and Recertification and for Paramedics (EMTPs) Initial Accreditation and Bi-Annual Reverification. Select here to begin.