Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic I/C
One of the less generally known areas of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is the Division of EMS and Systems of Care, inside the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS & Systems of Care. The Division crosses multiple sectors, including licensing, health care, public safety, and of course, public health.
The division is divided into two areas, which do incredible work to protect public health in Michigan. The Systems of Care Section encompasses three systems supporting patients with time-sensitive emergencies. The first, and most mature is the Trauma System, which is fully operational and began its development nearly 25 years ago. The other two, Stroke and STEMI, which means ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (a type of heart attack), only recently have been funded and had full regulatory authority through the administrative rules process. These newer systems are intended to be integrated into the current trauma system, utilizing the same regional and committee structure.
The goal of all three systems is to improve outcomes for all patients experiencing time sensitive emergencies. This is accomplished through coordinated systems of care that prioritize timely assessment and transport to the closest most appropriate receiving facility while receiving high quality and appropriate care. The division is responsible for supporting the regional networks, data collection and analysis, and verification and designation of all facilities caring for time sensitive patients. This includes everything from prevention efforts through to rehabilitation after an incident.
Next, the EMS Oversight Section, is a rarity in MDHHS, as the section is responsible for regulatory components that are usually hosted in Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. All EMS personnel, vehicles, and agencies are licensed by this area. That includes inspections, auditing, and compliance. This means they support every person who responds to emergencies in Michigan. They assure all vehicles are staffed, have the appropriate equipment, and are maintained to the highest safety standards. If a complaint comes in related to EMS, it is assessed, investigated, and acted upon by this team of professionals.
The other half of EMS is the EMS Programs Section, which supports both legislated and programmatic activities of EMS and Michigan. This includes the support and oversight of the Michigan EMS Information System (MIEMSIS), approval and site visits of education programs and curriculum, support for Medical Control Authorities, and most other grant related activities including the EMS for Children program and our Post Crash Care partnerships with the Office of Highway Safety Planning. All EMS clinical care is standardized in Michigan, through protocols that are either drafted or approved by MDHHS through committees and advisory groups that work with this section. This enables EMS to act as a component of public health in many ways, including being the clinical and social eyes and ears in places where very few people see.
This small but mighty area in MDHHS is ready to serve and partner with folks across Michigan. If you would like to learn more, feel free to reach out by emailing ems@michigan.gov or visiting www.michigan.gov/ems.