NERTAC The Northeast Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (NERTAC) includes Koochiching, Itasca, Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties in Minnesota. Arrowhead EMS Association (AEMSA) serves as the administrative and fiscal agent for the RTAC. RTAC Application for Appointment
The Commissioner of Health of the State of Minnesota is charged to both seek the advice of the State Trauma Advisory Council (STAC) in implementing and updating the criteria and to adapt and modify the criteria as appropriate to accommodate Minnesota’s unique geography and the state’s hospital and health professional distribution. The latter requirement is aided by the contributions of Regional Trauma Advisory Committees (RTACs).
The statutory functions of the RTACs are to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the STAC for regional modifications to the statewide trauma criteria that will improve patient care and accommodate specific regional needs. To date, five trauma regions have formed across Minnesota.
Minnesota Trauma System
Trauma is the third leading cause of death in Minnesota. On average, trauma claims the lives of 2,400 Minnesotans annually. A comprehensive statewide trauma system has been responsible for increasing survival rates by 15 to 20 percent in states where it has been implemented.
And now, as of August 2005, Minnesota has its own comprehensive statewide trauma system. The goal of the trauma system is to decrease injured patients’ time to definitive care by ensuring that patients’ medical needs are appropriately matched with hospitals’ resources.
Participation in the statewide trauma system remains voluntary. But wide-scale participation will ensure that a statewide, cooperative effort is in place to care for seriously injured patients.
(NERTAC) coordinated by: Arrowhead EMS Association
Arrowhead EMS Association
Pat Lee
4219 Enterprise Circle
Duluth, MN 55811
Toll Free: 800 247 1283 Telephone: 218 726 0070 FAX: 218 726 0073 Email: pat (at) arrowheadems.com