OHA seeks applicants for new EMS advisory committees

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority’s Emergency Medical Services & Trauma Systems Program is now accepting applications for the new Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board (EMSAB) and Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee (EMSCAC), in alignment with the 2024 EMS Modernization legislation.

The EMSAB is designed to create regional and state levels of care for the following:

• Emergency medical services (prehospital care).
• Time-sensitive emergencies (stroke, cardiac, trauma and others).
• EMS care for pediatric patients.
• Behavioral health and emergency services (both prehospital and hospital systems).

This new endeavor is intended to create systems of care to get the patient to the right place at the right time. The EMSAB will make recommendations to the state and support the modernization of emergency medical services in Oregon. The new board will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025. The EMSAB will have an active voice in all services listed above. The application period for the EMSAB remains open.

The EMSAB has opportunities and are currently accepting applications to serve on the board. The board still has openings for the following seats:

• One public member who is, or has been, a frequent user of emergency medical services. This is an opportunity for a Oregon resident who has no monitory gain for seeking board membership, and who has as a patient or as a caregiver, frequently used or currently uses emergency medical services.
• One representative of a patient health care advocacy group. An employee of or an active volunteer, that is approved to represent an Oregon patient advocacy group, that increases public awareness of a disease and its symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options. This is a great way to represent and make changes at the highest level and trickle down to those serving all Oregonians.
• One representative of a third-party payer of health care insurance. The EMS & Trauma Systems Program is looking for an employee of a health care insurance organization, public or private, that pays or insures medical expenses on behalf of Oregon subscribers.

The EMS for Childrens Advisory Committee (EMSCAC) is tasked with supporting the care of pediatric patients in emergency medical situations.  This will include providing support and recommendations around:

• Emergency health care for a pediatric patient.
• Assessing and support, for both prehospital agencies and hospitals, to provide the best care for pediatric patients.
• Recommend guidelines around state systems requirements for pediatric patients care out of the hospital, regional plans and hospital licensing or certifications.

The EMSCAC has opportunities and is accepting applications to serve on the board. The board is actively recruiting for the following seats:

• One member who is a family representative.
• A member who represents a patient equity organization or is an academic professional specializing in health equity.
• Applications close Oct. 31 for the EMSCAC.

For further details about the board and other committees, visit the OHA EMS & TS website, or contact the EMS & Trauma Systems Program at EMS.TRAUMA@odhsoha.oregon.gov with questions.