South Dakota Trauma System: Saving Lives

Legislation enacted in 2008 enabled the Department of Health, with input from the Department of Public Safety, to develop, implement, and administer a trauma care system, including a statewide trauma registry, that involves all hospitals and emergency medical services within the state. The Department of Health is currently developing the statewide trauma system.

A trauma system is an organized response to managing and improving the care of severely injured people. It spans the continuum-of-care from prevention, pre-hospital care, acute care to rehabilitation. It has been established to ensure that injured people are promptly transported to and treated at facilities appropriate to the severity of their injury. A trauma system also provides a foundation for disaster preparedness and response. As part of its day-to-day activities, a trauma system coordinates the movement and care of severely injured people.

Vision Statement

All patients in South Dakota needing trauma services receive high quality, readily accessible, and well coordinated services.

Mission Statement

Establish an inclusive, statewide trauma system that reduces overall morbidity and mortality through coordinated prevention, pre-hospital and hospital care services.

• Information for Hospitals
  • State Designated Trauma Hospitals
• Information for Ambulance Services
• Trauma Registry
• South Dakota Trauma Council
• Trauma Course Schedules: ATLS | RTTDC
• South Dakota Health Alert Network