History of the North Carolina Trauma System
Foundation of NCOEMS
Initial efforts in creating a statewide trauma system began in the mid 1970’s. First legislative measures we granted in the North Carolina Emergency Services Act of 1973. By 1980 and based upon the American College of Surgeons “Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient”, NCOEMS had developed criteria for Level 1 and II trauma centers establishing a site visit process for those hospitals interested in seeking state designation.

Statewide Trauma System
In 1992, a trauma task force was assembled in developing a statewide trauma system. The Trauma System Task Force called for: 1) a standardized categorization for the trauma system and trauma patient; 2) legislation facilitating development of a statewide trauma system; 3) the trauma system to be voluntary and inclusive.

Following these recommendations, North Carolina state legislature passed the Trauma System Act of 1993.

In March of 1996, the acute care hospitals in North Carolina, out-of-hospital services, and several other healthcare-related parties met to revise the original “Rules and Regulations Governing Ambulance Service and Trauma Systems (G.S. 131-162). Proposed revisions comprised the inclusion of an additional Level III designation, processes to be followed for initial and renewal designation, related enforcement procedures, and the design for an inclusive state and regional trauma system.

Aiding and approaching this development, NCOEMS created a system incorporating seven Regional Advisory Committees (RAC’s).

NC Trauma System Today
North Carolina is currently the 11th most populated state in the country with a population of 8.9 million increasing at a cumulative growth rate of 21% since 1991. The states population is over 68% rural. The NC Trauma System has enabled the provision of level I or II trauma care within 60 minutes of the injury to over 70% of North Carolina’s population!
The North Carolina Trauma System currently has six Level I, three Level II, and three Level III centers serving the state under eight Regional Advisory Committees.