Michigan Statewide Trauma System

• Trauma is the leading cause of death in people ages 1-44 in the nation and it accounts for 47% of all deaths in this age group. In Michigan, crash related deaths alone cost $1.04 billion per year. The overall goal of a trauma system is to reduce the incidence and severity of injury as well as to improve health outcomes for those who are injured.

  Michigan has been engaged in formal trauma system development since 2000. The vision for Michigan is a regionalized, coordinated and accountable system of emergency care that ensures the right patient gets to the right place at the right time. The 2004 Trauma System Agenda for the Future states, “The concept of inclusive trauma care systems promotes regionalization of trauma care, so that all areas of the country receive the best possible care. Equally important, an inclusive trauma care system must identify high-risk behaviors in each community and the population groups at risk for injury so that the system can provide an integrated approach to care that is responsive and appropriate to local needs”.

  The Trauma Services Section Statewide Trauma System Administrative Rules describes the components of the trauma system. This includes eight regional trauma networks comprised of the local Medical Control Authorities within the region which integrates into existing regional preparedness. They are responsible for the oversight of the trauma care provided in each region of the state. Further information about the components of the Michigan trauma system including data collection, the process of verification and designation of trauma facilities, and more information about the trauma networks including the trauma network work plans cited in the Trauma Facility Request for Designation Applications can be found in the following sections. Click on the links below for details.