Report 2013-116 Recommendation 7 Responses

Report 2013-116: Los Angeles County: Lacking a Comprehensive Assessment of Its Trauma System, It Cannot Demonstrate That It Has Used Measure B Funds to Address the Most Pressing Trauma Needs (Release Date: February 2014)

Recommendation #7 To: Los Angeles Emergency Medical Services Agency

To determine the adequacy and effectiveness of the helicopter services it provides to residents of underserved areas who suffer a trauma injury, EMS should collect, assess, and report accurate and complete data on the following: the time it takes to transport each trauma patient.

1-Year Agency Response

The EMS Agency 2014 Data Report was published in October 2014 (http://file.lacounty.gov/dhs/cms1_220127.pdf). The data in this report reflects calendar year 2013 activity. Included in this report is Trauma patient mode of transport and transport time data. An analysis of this data shows that 4% of trauma patients are transported by helicopter from the scene. 95% of the trauma patients transported by helicopter lived and their mean transport time was 20 minutes, and the 5% of the trauma patients transported by helicopter that died had a mean transport time of 16 minutes.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Fully Implemented

6-Month Agency Response

The EMS Agency data report is currently being developed, which includes helicopter transport and trauma care data. EMS plans to complete and publish the report by December 2014.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending

60-Day Agency Response

The DHS Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency will analyze data, develop reports and publish annual reports on helicopter transport and care of trauma patients. Data collection methods and reporting formats will be redesigned and reviewed.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending

All Recommendations in 2013-116

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.