STRAC

To ensure that every trauma and acute care patient has the best possible chance of a full recovery, South Texas hospitals, EMS Agencies, and other interested organizations and institutions, participate in Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC).  The Group, comprised of both rural and urban members, coordinates emergency medical systems, protocols and procedures, and regional communications, to ensure that patients arrive at the best facility for their specific injuries or illnesses in the shortest amount of time.  In 1989, the Texas Legislature passed the Omnibus Rural Healthcare Rescue Act, which directed the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop and implement a statewide emergency medical and trauma care system.  In 1992, TDH adopted rules for the implementation of a statewide trauma system.  The rules divided Texas into 22 Trauma Service Areas (TSAs) and formed a regional advisory council (RAC) for each area to develop and implement a regional trauma system plan.  STRAC represents Trauma Service Area - P.  The STRAC Committee works on the following initiatives: 
•    Develops protocols and criteria for communication, dispatch, triage, air medical response, patient transfers, and hospital bypass and diversion. 
•    Analyzes data and recommends improvements in trauma and emergency healthcare. 
•    Acts as a clearing house for state and federal needs-based grants awarded annually to members for EMS/Trauma System development. 
•    Recommends topics for continuing education for trauma/EMS personnel and informs them of upcoming educational opportunities. 
•    Addresses specific issues for EMS agencies and trauma facilities. 

 The Bi-monthly Main STRAC meeting allows each STRAC subcommittee the opportunity to report to the main membership.  The STRAC meetings take place every other Month, October, December, February, April, June, and August.