EMSystem Goes "Live" May 1, 2003
The Tidewater EMS Operational Medical Directors adopted revisions to the region's ambulance diversion policy that incorporates notification and tracking of hospital ambulance diversion status via the Internet. The web-based software program, called EMSystem, went "live" in this region on May 1, 2003.
EMSystem does more than help manage ambulance diversion. The software system allows localities and hospitals to send emergency messages, such as mass casualty alerts, to all system users at once. Once a mass casualty event is initiated, hospitals will be prompted to report their red, yellow and green capacity on EMSystem which will be instantly viewable by all system users. The system is also being used for NDMS hospital capacity reporting, and can be used by health departments to poll or alert hospitals and other users about suspicious symptoms.
To register as an EMSystem user or key contact, use the on-line registration form. User guides are also available in pdf format on-line at the same location. The revised ambulance diversion plan is also posted. Direct EMSystem questions to Matt Smithson or Jim Chandler.