The DC Health EMS Program looks after the health and well-being of the residents in Washington DC through the regulation of the DC EMS system. It does operate several key programs that do incorporate the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) system, several programs go beyond just emergency care.

1. Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) Program: This program is designed to enhance communication between health professionals, patients, and their families about end-of-life care wishes. The program mainly focuses on seriously ill patients, in which the patient or their surrogate makes medical decisions with their healthcare provider. The decisions are then documented in the form of medical orders, known as the MOST form, which is valid across various physical healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory care settings. For more about the MOST program - Click here!

2. District Trauma System Program: The District Trauma System is essentially a network of services that are designed to provide a full spectrum of medical care to treat patients who have suffered a traumatic injury. This system starts from the incident scene where first responders provide initial care, through to the rehabilitation process. The system is designed to ensure that patients suffering from traumatic injuries receive timely care to maximize their chances of survival and recovery. It encompasses multiple components including prehospital care, acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, as well as other community and public health resources, all interlinked to provide coordinated and comprehensive care. For more about trauma center credentialing - Click here!

3. EMS for Children (EMSC) Program: The EMS for Children (EMSC) program aims to ensure that emergency medical services (EMS) are fully equipped to provide appropriate emergency care to children of all ages, from neonates to adolescents. The goal of the EMSC program is to promote pediatric emergency care through education and advocacy, reduce child morbidity and mortality, and improve the pediatric readiness of EMS providers. It also aims to improve systems of care to ensure that children receive optimal emergency care in a pre-hospital and hospital setting regardless of where they live, attend school, or travel. For more about the EMSC program - Click here!